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2018 May 08

Hinode XRT observes the Sun!
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Temperature Structure of an Active Region

A series of small brightenings on the east side of AR 11861 leads to an increase in temperature in a larger loop that crosses the active region. Although these brightenings were not given an official flare class, several small flares occurred in this active region in the hours and days surrounding this event. The observed heating is probably caused by magnetic reconnection between smaller loops on the east side of the active region and the longer loop that crosses it. During this process, energy stored in the magnetic field is converted into thermal energy that heats the plasma.


Keywords: Flare, Temperature Structure
Filters: Al-poly, thin-Be


(Prepared by Kathy Reeves)

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