NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Reverse current in solar flaresWe examine the proposal that impulsive X-ray bursts are produced by high-energy electrons streaming from the corona to the chromosphere. It is known that the currents associated with these streams are so high that either the streams do not exist or their current is neutralized by a reverse current. Analysis of a simple model in which the reverse current is stable indicates that the primary electron stream leads to the development of an electric field in the ambient corona which (a) decelerates the primary beam and (b) produces a neutralizing reverse current. It appears that, in some circumstances, this electric field could prevent the primary beam from reaching the chromosphere. In any case, the electric field acts as an energy exchange mechanism, extracting kinetic energy from the primary beam and using it to heat the ambient plasma. This heating is typically so rapid that it must be expected to have important dynamical consequences.
Document ID
19780030579
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Knight, J. W.
(Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Sturrock, P. A.
(Stanford University Stanford, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
November 15, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Accession Number
78A14488
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-05-020-272
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-75-C-0673
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available