Fluid Velocity Mapping and Reconnection Flux Rates in Solar Flare Ribbons via Space Spectrometers

International Journal of Physics | Vol. 12, No. 11, November 2021 | pp. 81–88

DOI: 10.46882/2021/IJP/000139

Research Article

Title: Fluid Velocity Mapping and Reconnection Flux Rates in Solar Flare Ribbons via Space Spectrometers

Names of Authors: G. R. Davies¹, A. M. El-Chemali²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
² Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract: High-energy magnetic reconnection is the primary magnetohydrodynamic mechanism that drives rapid energy conversion paths in the solar corona, heating plasma to millions of Kelvin and propelling solar flare ribbons. This paper models fluid velocity fields and quantifies localized magnetic reconnection flux rates within an active region solar flare event. We utilized high-resolution spectroscopic data from space-based solar trackers measuring extreme ultraviolet emission lines from highly ionized iron states (Fe XII and Fe XXIV). Differential affine velocity estimator algorithms were deployed to compile two-dimensional transport fields of plasma inflows and outflows flanking the dissipation current sheet. The empirical measurements reveal systematic plasma inflows moving at 15.6 km/s, while directed shock outflows achieve velocities of 320.0 km/s along the magnetic loop headers. Based on these transport metrics, the local dimensionless reconnection rate was calculated to range between 0.06 and 0.09. These values closely align with fast reconnection limits predicted by the Petschek framework modified by local tearing instabilities. Spectroscopic line-broadening analysis indicates localized turbulent temperatures peaking at 11.2 MK within the current layer boundary, verifying strong viscous dissipation.

Keywords: Solar corona; magnetic reconnection; extreme ultraviolet; plasma velocity; solar flares; magnetohydrodynamics

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 12, 2021; Revised: September 04, 2021; Accepted: September 22, 2021; Published: November 12, 2021

Citation: Davies, G. R., & El-Chemali, A. M. (2021). Fluid Velocity Mapping and Reconnection Flux Rates in Solar Flare Ribbons via Space Spectrometers. International Journal of Physics, 12(11), 81–88.

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