Solar activity observed in X-rays and the EUV from OSO 7

Spectroheliograms obtained with the EUV spectroheliograph aboard OSO 7 between 1.7 and 400 A with a spatial resolution of at least 20 x 20 arc seconds are described, and results of an initial analysis of the Goddard X-ray polarimeter measurements are given and discussed in the light of current flare theories. The EUV observations are consistent with a picture in which coronal enhancement overlying an active region is made up of a nested set of arches or loops, with foot-points in regions of opposite magnetic polarity. The outermost arches are coolest, while those nearer the center are hotter. Along a given field line there is a temperature gradient such that the highest temperature occurs at the highest point of the magnetic arch. Polarimeter data provide evidence for polarization of about 20% in a number of X-ray bursts.