Complex Flare Dynamics Initiated by a Filament-Filament Interaction

TL;DR

This paper presents a detailed observation of a rare filament-filament interaction leading to a solar eruption, revealing complex dynamics, associated flares, and plasma heating, providing new insights into solar filament interactions and flare processes.

Contribution

It documents a rare filament-filament interaction with detailed multi-instrument observations, enhancing understanding of filament dynamics and flare initiation mechanisms.

Findings

Filament-filament interaction caused a solar eruption.

Associated flares were C3.0 and M2.9 in magnitude.

Observed plasma heating and loop crossing during eruption.

Abstract

We report on an eruption involving a relatively rare filament-filament interaction on 2013 June 21, observed by SDO and STEREO-B. The two filaments were separated in height with a 'double-decker' configuration. The eruption of the lower filament began simultaneously with a descent of the upper filament resulting in a convergence and direct interaction of the two filaments. The interaction was accompanied by the heating of surrounding plasma and an apparent crossing of a loop-like structure through the upper filament. The subsequent coalescence of the filaments drove a bright front ahead of the erupting structures. The whole process was associated with a C3.0 flare followed immediately by an M2.9 flare. Shrinking loops and descending dark voids were observed during the M2.9 flare at different locations above a C-shaped flare arcade as part of the energy release, giving us a unique insight into the flare dynamics.