Acceleration of electrons outside flares - Coronal manifestation and possible origin

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) 1991-11, Vol.251 (1), p.298-306
• Main Authors: Raulin, J. P., Kerdraon, A., Klein, K.-L., Trottet, G., Willson, R. F., Lang, K. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Astronomy; Corona. Coronal loops, streamers, and holes; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Solar Physics; Solar system
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746

Imaging observations at decimetric and metric wavelengths of the solar corona are used to investigate a short-lasting noise storm and the associated changes of the underlying active-region plasma. It is shown that a new source appears in the active region in close temporal and spatial coincidence with the onset of the noise storm in the middle corona. The onset of the noise storm is delayed at longer wavelengths. At a given wavelength, the noise-storm source undergoes a systematic slow movement with a significant component perpendicular to the magnetic-field lines above the active region. The observations are tentatively attributed to the emission of nonthermal electrons in a system of expanding coronal loops, the expansion being initiated by the appearance of the new 21-cm source in the low atmosphere. The derived velocity of expansion is about 80 to 150 km/s. The electrons emitting the noise storm cannot be provided by the high-energy tail of the Maxwellian in the new active region source, but originate either from a nonthermal population in this source or from acceleration at higher altitudes, in the structures which give rise to the noise storm.