Slipping magnetic reconnections with multiple flare ribbons during an X-class solar flare

TL;DR

This study observes slipping magnetic reconnections with multiple flare ribbons during an X-class solar flare, revealing complex flux interactions and supporting the 3D standard model of eruptive flares.

Contribution

It provides detailed observational evidence of slipping magnetic reconnections with multiple ribbons, enhancing understanding of flare complexity and magnetic flux interactions.

Findings

Three flare ribbons showed apparent slipping motions.

Hook structures formed and disappeared during the flare.

Magnetic reconnections involved complex flux distributions.

Abstract

With the observations of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we present the slipping magnetic reconnections with multiple flare ribbons (FRs) during an X1.2 eruptive flare on 2014 January 7. A center negative polarity was surrounded by several positive ones, and there appeared three FRs. The three FRs showed apparent slipping motions, and hook structures formed at their ends. Due to the moving footpoints of the erupting structures, one tight semi-circular hook disappeared after the slippage along its inner and outer edge, and coronal dimmings formed within the hook. The east hook also faded as a result of the magnetic reconnection between the arcades of a remote filament and a hot loop that was impulsively heated by the under flare loops. Our results are accordant with the slipping magnetic reconnection regime in 3D standard model for eruptive flares. We suggest that complex structures of the flare is likely a consequence of the more complex flux distribution in the photosphere, and the eruption involves at least two magnetic reconnections.