Height and Energy Evolution of X-ray Double Sources in a Solar Flare

TL;DR

This study analyzes the height and energy evolution of X-ray double sources in a solar flare, revealing complex, multi-phase dynamics and energy distribution differences during the decay phase using multi-instrument observations.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the spatio-temporal complexity of energy release in the post-flare current sheet during the decay phase, especially in the context of double coronal sources.

Findings

Higher-energy components appear at higher altitudes.

Double sources show asymmetric energy distribution during decay.

Multi-phase evolution with varying velocities observed.

Abstract

In the standard model, magnetic reconnection at a vertical current sheet above the flare arcade is key to explaining many aspects of solar eruptions. The supra-arcade region is where the vertical current sheet is supposedly located, and X-ray/EUV emission therein reflects underlying energy release and transport processes, therefore providing valuable insight into the structure and evolution of the current sheet. Previous studies have focused primarily on the impulsive phase of flares, but phenomena in the decay phase are also crucial for understanding the complete flaring scenario. In this paper, we investigated an M6.7-class limb flare that occurred on August 28, 2022, combining observations from the Solar Orbiter (SolO) and Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Coronal X-ray sources are continually observed by the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) onboard SolO for over two hours, revealing a multi-phase evolution with varying velocities and multiple substructures, with higher-energy components consistently appearing at higher altitudes. Such a height-energy relation is notably observed in a double coronal source during the decay-phase, which is dominated by thermal emission. The energy distribution of the double source distinguish itself from previous studies that showed a symmetric distribution, with the higher-energy components being closer to the center of the double source during the impulsive phase. Obtained from two opposite side-on perspectives on the supra-arcade region, these findings reveal the spatio-temporal complexity of the energy release process in the post-flare current sheet during the decay phase.