The first X-ray imaging spectroscopy of quiescent solar active regions with NuSTAR

TL;DR

This paper reports the first X-ray imaging spectroscopy of quiescent solar active regions using NuSTAR, revealing isothermal plasma at 3.1-4.4 MK and setting new constraints on hotter components.

Contribution

It presents the first direct imaging and spectral analysis of non-flaring active regions in hard X-rays with NuSTAR, expanding solar observational capabilities.

Findings

NuSTAR images match EUV and soft X-ray features.

Spectral analysis indicates isothermal plasma at 3.1-4.4 MK.

Constraints on hotter plasma components between 5-12 MK.

Abstract

We present the first observations of quiescent active regions (ARs) using NuSTAR, a focusing hard X-ray telescope capable of studying faint solar emission from high temperature and non-thermal sources. We analyze the first directly imaged and spectrally resolved X-rays above 2~keV from non-flaring ARs, observed near the west limb on 2014 November 1. The NuSTAR X-ray images match bright features seen in extreme ultraviolet and soft X-rays. The NuSTAR imaging spectroscopy is consistent with isothermal emission of temperatures $3.1-4.4$~MK and emission measures $1-8\times 10^{46}$~cm$^{-3}$. We do not observe emission above 5~MK but our short effective exposure times restrict the spectral dynamic range. With few counts above 6~keV, we can place constraints on the presence of an additional hotter component between 5 and 12~MK of $\sim 10^{46}$cm$^{-3}$ and $\sim 10^{43}$ cm$^{-3}$, respectively, at least an order of magnitude stricter than previous limits. With longer duration observations and a weakening solar cycle (resulting in an increased livetime), future NuSTAR observations will have sensitivity to a wider range of temperatures as well as possible non-thermal emission.