Witnessing magnetic twist with high-resolution observation from the 1.6-m New Solar Telescope

Haimin Wang (), Wenda Cao, Chang Liu, Yan Xu, Rui Liu, Zhicheng Zeng, Jongchul Chae and Haisheng Ji
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Haimin Wang: Space Weather Research Laboratory, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights
Wenda Cao: Space Weather Research Laboratory, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights
Chang Liu: Space Weather Research Laboratory, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights
Yan Xu: Space Weather Research Laboratory, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights
Rui Liu: CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, University of Science and Technology of China
Zhicheng Zeng: Big Bear Solar Observatory, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Jongchul Chae: Astronomy Program, Seoul National University
Haisheng Ji: Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Magnetic flux ropes are highly twisted, current-carrying magnetic fields. They are crucial for the instability of plasma involved in solar eruptions, which may lead to adverse space weather effects. Here we present observations of a flaring using the highest resolution chromospheric images from the 1.6-m New Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory, supplemented by a magnetic field extrapolation model. A set of loops initially appear to peel off from an overall inverse S-shaped flux bundle, and then develop into a multi-stranded twisted flux rope, producing a two-ribbon flare. We show evidence that the flux rope is embedded in sheared arcades and becomes unstable following the enhancement of its twists. The subsequent motion of the flux rope is confined due to the strong strapping effect of the overlying field. These results provide a first opportunity to witness the detailed structure and evolution of flux ropes in the low solar atmosphere.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8008

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