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In this paper, we present for the first time a comprehensive statistical study between type II radio bursts from the metric (m) to the dekameric–hectometric (DH) domain and their associated solar and space weather (SW) phenomena, namely, solar flares (SFs), sunspot (SN) configurations, filament eruptions, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), their interplanetary (IP) counterparts (ICMEs) and shocks, in situ detected particles and geomagnetic storms (GSs). The m-only and m + DH radio signatures are identified from dynamic spectra provided by the ground-based RSTN stations distributed over the globe together with Wind/WAVES satellite data. The DH-only type IIs are adopted from a ready catalog based on Wind/WAVES spacecraft data. We perform the temporal and spatial association between the radio emission and the listed above activity events during solar cycle (SC) 24, separately for the three sub-categories, m-only, m + DH and DH-only type IIs. A quantitative assessment on the occurrence rates is presented as a function of the strength of the specific SW phenomena: highest rates are obtained with CMEs, SFs, filament eruptions, and SN configurations, whereas a much weaker relationship is found with ICMEs, IP shocks, energetic particles, and GSs. The potential of the obtained rates to be used in empirical or physics-based models for SW forecasting is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar eruptions are sudden release of the magnetic free energy accumulated within a quasi-static evolutionary process of the corona. Interestingly, many solar eruptions are preceded by a short-term slow-rise phase, during which the pre-eruption structure rises at a speed significantly larger than that of the quasi-static evolution. Here we suggest an explanation for the slow-rise phase based on a recent high-accuracy magnetohydrodynamic simulation for initiation of solar eruption. The simulation shows that by continuously shearing a bipolar magnetic arcade, an internal current sheet forms gradually, and an eruption begins once magnetic reconnection is triggered at the current sheet. We find in the simulation that the overlying field presents a slow-rise phase before the reconnection sets in. In addition, the rising speed is significantly larger than that of the core field during this phase. This slow rise is a manifestation of the growing expansion of the arcade in the process of approaching a fully open field state, which is inherent to the formation of a current sheet before the eruption. We also show three flare events with slow-rise phases that are highly consistent with these key characteristics in the simulation: an expansion of the overlying coronal loops with speeds much larger than the quasi-static evolution speed, and for those events with filament eruption, the slow rise of filament is much smaller than that of the overlying loops. In this type of events, the eruption might be initiated through the mechanism as shown in the simulation, and the expansion of overlying coronal loops is a better indicator of the slow-rise phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed a GOES C6.2 class solar flare that occurred on 27 October 2003 at the heliographic position S20E29. Utilising a database developed from a simplified 3D magnetic loop model, we inferred a set of geometric and physical parameters to characterise the flare. This model, based on general properties of known solar flares and adjusted for instrument resolution, was used to replicate observations from the Nobeyama Radio Polarimeter (NoRP) spectra and the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) brightness maps. We identified a possible range of parameters by comparing observed spectra and brightness distribution maps with modelled counterparts. The analysis involved computing a weighted mean of the one hundred best-fit model parameters, ranked by increasing χ 2 values.Across six discrete time intervals representing the gradual, impulsive, and decay phases of the flare, we observed slight variations in values for ten analysed parameters, with notable exceptions at the burst maxima, including an energy spectral index of approximately ∼ 2.34 , a photospheric magnetic field strength of around ∼ 2 308 G , and a non-thermal electron density of about ∼ 10 7.11 cm - 3 . In general, our results replicated the soft-hard-soft behaviour in the gradual-peak-decay phases of a solar flare. Therefore, we infer that the physical parameters (magnetic field strength, energy spectral index, and non-thermal electron density) were accurately recovered. However, fitting geometric parameters such as inclination, asymmetry, azimuth, loop radius, loop height, and footpoint separation proved challenging due to the limited resolution of the instruments, which affects the precise determination of loop-like flare geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar filaments are a significant solar activity phenomenon, typically observed in full-disk solar observations in the H-alpha band. They are closely associated with the magnetic fields of solar active regions, solar flare eruptions, and coronal mass ejections. With the increasing volume of observational data, the automated high-precision recognition of solar filaments using deep learning is crucial. In this study, we processed full-disk H-alpha solar images captured by the Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer in 2023 to generate labels for solar filaments. The preprocessing steps included limb-darkening removal, grayscale transformation, K-means clustering, particle erosion, multiple closing operations, and hole filling. The dataset containing solar filament labels is constructed for deep learning. We developed the Attention U2-Net neural network for deep learning on the solar dataset by introducing an attention mechanism into U2-Net. In the results, Attention U2-Net achieved an average Accuracy of 0.9987, an average Precision of 0.8221, an average Recall of 0.8469, an average IoU of 0.7139, and an average F1-score of 0.8323 on the solar filament test set, showing significant improvements compared to other U-net variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of the M. Aschwanden's (2020) model for short-term (24 h) prediction of the maximum X-ray class of solar flares based on the power-law dependence on the energy of the potential magnetic field of active regions is checked and assessed. For this purpose, a sample of 275 flares (253 M-class and 22 X-class) in isolated active regions on the solar disk in 2010−2023 is analyzed. Magnetic field extrapolations are made in the nonlinear force-free and potential approximations using the GX Simulator based on photospheric vector magnetograms from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). It is found that in 6% of cases, Aschwanden's model underestimates the predicted maximum flare class with respect to the observed one (maximal underestimation by 4.4 times). The accuracy of this model (the average ratio of the observed to predicted maximum flare class) is 0.31 ± 0.47. Four other statistical models are proposed, two of which, like Aschwanden's model, are based on the power-law dependence of the maximum flare class on the energy of potential magnetic field, and the other two are based on the power-law dependence on the free magnetic energy of active regions. These models give fewer (or no) underestimations of the maximum flare class, but two to three times lower forecast accuracy, ranging from 0.11 to 0.17. Additionally, based on the obtained statistical sample, estimates of the limiting X-ray class of solar flares are made. The five models give different limits ranging from ~X14 to ~X250. The realism of these values and the possibility of refining the models by expanding the sample of events is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel deep Convolutional Neural Network model with one-against-rest approach (OAR-CNN) and modify the hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (H-CNN) model of Zheng et al. (2019) for multiclass flare prediction to forecast whether an active region generates multiclass flare within 24 h. Additionally, in the OAR-CNN and H-CNN models, we employ the decision strategies of majority voting and probability threshold, respectively, comparing the prediction outcomes of these two strategies. Our models undergo training and testing on the same 10 cross-validation datasets as employed by Zheng et al. (2019) , and then compare the results with previous studies using forecast verification metrics, with a focus on the true skill statistic (TSS). The major results are summarized as follows. (1) This is the first attempt to utilize the decision strategies of majority voting and probability threshold in the OAR-CNN model for multiclass solar flare prediction. (2) In both the OAR-CNN and H-CNN models, the predictive results with the probability threshold decision strategy are higher than those with majority voting across all six classes (i.e., No-flare, C, M, X, ⩾ C, and ⩾ M class), except for a slight decrease in the C class in the OAR-CNN model. (3) The OAR-CNN and modified H-CNN models with the probability threshold decision strategy demonstrate comparable statistical scores across all categories and outperform previous studies. (4) In the prediction of four-class flare, our proposed OAR-CNN model with the probability threshold decision strategy achieves relatively high mean TSS scores of 0.744, 0.429, 0.567, and 0.630 for No-flare, C, M, and X class, respectively, surpassing or comparable to results from prior studies. Furthermore, our model achieves high TSS scores of 0.744 ± 0.042 for ⩾ C–class and 0.764 ± 0.089 for ⩾ M-class predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive modeling study has been conducted to investigate space weather effects at Mars during the 10 September 2017 solar flare, utilizing an integrated framework that combines the global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model and Mars Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model (MGITM). This is the first time the thermosphere‐ionosphere‐magnetosphere system is self‐consistently simulated under realistic, time‐varying conditions. Our simulations align well with observations from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). Recognizing that complexities due to highly disturbed upstream conditions and rotating crustal fields obscure solar flare effects in orbit‐to‐orbit comparisons, we perform controlled simulations of nonflare and flare cases and exploit their contrast to quantify spatiotemporal variations in flare impact. Our results highlight pronounced and rapid dayside ionospheric perturbations, contrasting with weaker and delayed nightside responses. Notably, in the topside ionosphere, O2+ ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+}$ and CO2+ ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+}$ densities increase primarily on the dayside below ∼ ${\sim} $300 km altitude, peaking with an increase of 20%–30%. The O+ ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ density shows a more significant increase of up to ∼ ${\sim} $50%, extending into the magnetosphere and nightside via plasma transport, increasing its total loss rate by 14%. We observe distinct altitude‐dependent patterns in dayside electron density enhancements in percent, characterized by a weakening with altitude and a rapid decay below ∼ ${\sim} $150 km in line with the flare development, and a gradual intensification between ∼ ${\sim} $150–300 km due to plasma transport and flare‐induced atmospheric upwelling. Earlier Mars Global Surveyor observations were limited to the low‐altitude pattern due to atmospheric expansion and missed the higher altitude variations observed by MAVEN. Plain Language Summary: This study investigates the impact of a powerful X8.2‐class solar flare on 10 September 2017 at Mars. Using an integrated modeling framework that combines two state‐of‐the‐art global models, our simulations provide insights into distinct altitude‐dependent patterns of flare‐induced ionospheric density enhancements, pronounced day‐night asymmetry, and a moderate increase in ion escape. Key findings include rapid variations in ionospheric density enhancements at lower altitudes, with a gradual intensification at higher altitudes due to plasma transport and atmospheric upwelling. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how solar flares impact the space environment of unmagnetized or weakly‐magnetized planets like Mars. Key Points: The solar flare causes pronounced and rapid dayside ionospheric perturbations and weaker and delayed effects on the nightsideO2+ and CO2+ densities increase by 20%–30% above 150 km on the dayside, while O+ increases by up to 50% and over larger spacePercentage increase of dayside e− densities decreases with altitude and decays fast below ∼150 km, and rises and decays slowly above that [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of the thermosphere ionosphere system to an X1.3 class solar flare is studied using observations of the total electron content (TEC) and the Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model (GITM) simulations. The solar flare erupted from the active region AR12975 on 30 March 2022. Owing to the absence of accompanying severe geomagnetic activity, it was possible to isolate the effects of the flare on the upper atmosphere. TEC data are processed for Continental USA (CONUS), employing filtering and binning techniques to create 2D variation maps. The spectral content of the TEC variations is analyzed using a wavelet coherence method. The immediate response of the solar flare exhibited broad similarities, while notable differences were observed during the recovery period between the East and West sides of the CONUS. GITM is used to explore the East–West asymmetry of the key T‐I parameters. Simulation results reveal that the coinciding interplanetary magnetic field southward turning had a greater influence on these parameters compared to the solar flare, while their nonlinear interaction introduced complex variations. Additional investigation reveals gravity wave damping also contributes to the asymmetric solar flare response. Plain Language Summary: This study examines how a solar flare, which erupted on 30 March 2022, affected the Earth's upper atmosphere. We used satellite data to measure changes in the amount of charged particles in the atmosphere above the United States (specifically the area known as CONUS) and ran computer simulations to better understand these changes. We found that while the immediate reaction of the atmosphere to the flare was similar across the CONUS, differences emerged between the East and West during the recovery phase. The simulations showed that these differences were influenced by local time differences between the East and West, as well as by variations in the Earth's magnetic field geometry above these regions. Additionally, the study identified that the damping of gravity waves also played a role in these regional differences. Overall, the research highlights how complex interactions between various factors can lead to different responses to solar events in different parts of the CONUS. Key Points: Spectral content and temporal variation of total electron content perturbations associated with an X1.3 Solar Flare are analyzedThe thermosphere‐ionosphere exhibits a longitudinal flare response during the recovery phaseThe nonlinear interaction of the solar flare with the southward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field Bz ${\mathrm{B}}_{z}$ introduces significant variability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we carry out multiwavelength observations of two successive extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves originating from active region (AR) NOAA 13575 and a transverse oscillation of a columnar quiescent prominence on 2024 February 9. A hot channel eruption generates an X3.4 class flare and the associated full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME), which drives the first EUV wave front (WF1) at a speed of |$\sim$| 835 km s |$^{-1}$|⁠. WF1 propagates in the south-east direction and interacts with the prominence, causing an eastward displacement of the prominence immediately. Then, a second EUV wave front (WF2) is driven by a coronal jet at a speed of |$\sim$| 831 km s |$^{-1}$|⁠. WF2 follows WF1 and decelerates from |$\sim$| 788 to |$\sim$| 603 km s |$^{-1}$| before arriving at and touching the prominence. After reaching the maximum displacement, the prominence turns back and swings for 1–3 cycles. The transverse oscillation of horizontal polarization is most evident in 304 Å. The initial displacement amplitude, velocity in the plane of the sky, period, and damping time fall in the ranges of 12–34 Mm, 65–143 km s |$^{-1}$|⁠ , 18–27 min, and 33–108 min, respectively. There are strong correlations among the initial amplitude, velocity, period, and height of the prominence. Surprisingly, the oscillation is also detected in 1600 Å, which is totally in phase with that in 304 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In May 2024, the extremely complex active region National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 13664 produced the strongest geomagnetic storm since 2003. Aims.The aim of this study is to explore the development of the extreme magnetic complexity of NOAA 13664 in terms of its photospheric electric current. Methods. The non-neutralized electric current was derived from photospheric vector magnetograms, provided by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. The calculation method is based on image processing, thresholding, and error analysis. The spatial and temporal evolution of the non-neutralized electric current of the region as well as its constituent subregions was examined. For context, a comparison with other complex, flare-prolific active regions is provided. Results. Active region NOAA 13664 was formed by the emergence and interaction of three subregions, two of which were of notable individual complexity. It consisted of numerous persistent, current-carrying magnetic partitions that exhibited periods of conspicuous motions and strongly increasing electric current at many locations within the region. These periods were followed by intense and repeated flaring. The total unsigned non-neutralized electric currents and average injection rates reached 5.95 ⋅ 1013 A and 1.5 ⋅ 1013 A/day, and are the strongest observed so far, significantly surpassing other super-active regions of Solar Cycle 24 and 25. Conclusions. Active region NOAA 13664 presents a unique case of complexity. Further scrutiny of the spatial and temporal variation of the net electric currents during the emergence and development of super-active regions is paramount to understand the origin of complex regions and adverse space weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analogous to solar flares, stellar flares are dramatic explosions in the atmosphere, which may be accompanied by prominence eruptions, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other forms of plasma motion. Based on time-resolved spectroscopic observations of the RS CVn-type star II Peg, we aim to search for the potential plasma motions associated with flares. In these observations, we detected part of the gradual decay phase of an optical flare, for which we find a lower limit on the energy of the Hα line of 6.03 × 1033 erg. Converting this Hα energy, we find a bolometric white-light energy of 3.10 × 1035 erg. Moreover, a secondary peak is also observed. After removing a quiescence reference, the Hα residual shows an asymmetric behavior, including both a blueshifted and a redshifted emission component. The former component has a bulk velocity of about −180 km s−1 and extends its velocity to more than −350 km s−1. This phenomenon is likely caused by a prominence eruption event or a chromospheric evaporation process. The latter emission component has a bulk velocity of 130–70 km s−1 and extends its velocity to nearly 400 km s−1. We attribute the redshifted emission component to one or a combination of several possible scenarios: flare-driven coronal rain, chromospheric condensation, backward-directed prominence eruption close to the stellar limb, or falling material in a prominence eruption. The minimum masses of the moving plasmas resulting in the blueshifted and redshifted emission components are estimated to be 0.56 × 1020 g and 1.74 × 1020 g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The slowly positively drifting bursts (SPDBs) are rarely observed in radio emission of solar flares. Aims. To understand how the SPDBs are generated, we studied the radio observations at 600–5000 MHz together with the imaging observations made in ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) during the SPDB-rich C8.7 flare of 2014 May 10 (SOL2014-05-10T0702). Methods. Because the SPDBs propagate towards locations of higher plasma density, we studied their associations with individual flare kernels, located either within the flare core itself, or distributed at longer distances, but connected to the flaring region by large-scale hot loops. For each kernel we constructed light curves using 1600 Å and 304 Å observations and compared these light curves with the temporal evolution of radio flux at 1190 MHz, representing all observed groups of SPDBs. We also analysed the UV/EUV observations to understand the evolution of magnetic connectivity during the flare. Results. The flare starts with a growing hot sigmoid observed in 131 Å. As the sigmoid evolves, it extends to and interacts with a half dome present within the active region. The evolving sigmoid reconnects at the respective hyperbolic flux tube, producing large-scale magnetic connections and an EUV swirl. Three groups of SPDBs are observed during this large-scale magnetic reconnection, along with a group of narrow-band type III bursts. The light curves of a kernel corresponding to the footpoint of spine line analogue show good agreement with the radio flux at 1190 MHz, indicating that the SPDBs are produced by the large-scale magnetic reconnection at the half dome. In addition, one of the kernels appeared in the neighbouring active region and also showed a similar evolution to the radio flux, implying that beams of accelerated particles can synchronize radio and UV/EUV light curves across relatively large distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The study of quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) is a key diagnostic of intermittent or periodic energy releases during solar flares. Aims. We investigated the intermittent energy-releasing processes by analyzing the long-period pulsations during a C2.8 flare on 2023 June 3. Methods. The solar flare was simultaneously observed by the solar X-ray detector on board the Macau Science Satellite-1B, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer, the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array, the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment for the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Results. The C2.8 flare shows three successive and repetitive pulsations in soft X-ray (SXR) and high-temperature extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions, which may imply three episodes of energy releases during the solar flare. The QPP period is estimated to be as long as ∼7.5 minutes. EUV imaging observations suggest that these three pulsations come from the same flare area dominated by the hot loop system. Conversely, the flare radiation in wavelengths of radio/microwave, low-temperature EUV, ultraviolet (UV), and Hα only reveals the first pulsation, which may be associated with nonthermal electrons accelerated by magnetic reconnection. The other two pulsations in wavelengths of SXR and high-temperature EUV might be caused by the loop-loop interaction. Conclusions. Our observations indicate that the three episodes of energy releases during the C2.8 flare are triggered by different mechanisms, namely the accelerated electron via magnetic reconnection, and the loop-loop interaction in a complicated magnetic configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The electron-cyclotron maser instability (ECMI) is a significant coherent radio emission mechanism widely utilized in various astrophysical radio phenomena. It is well known that the velocity anisotropic distribution of energetic electrons, which leads to an inverted perpendicular population in the vertical direction with ∂fb/∂v⊥ > 0, can provide the free energy necessary for the ECMI. Aims. The initial velocity distribution of energetic electrons leaving the acceleration region is typically isotropic or beam-like. However, as these energetic electrons travel along the magnetic field as fast electron beams (FEBs) in magnetic plasma, various velocity anisotropic distributions can emerge. In this paper, we examine the impact of temperature anisotropy formed by beam electrons traveling along a flare loop on the ECMI. Methods. By neglecting the energy loss of energetic electrons as they traverse the corona and invoking the conservation of energy and magnetic moments, we established the relationship between momentum dispersion and the magnetic field. Utilizing the magnetic field model of the flare loop, we calculated the evolution of momentum dispersion and the growth rates of the ECMI as FEBs precipitate along the flare loop. Results. The results demonstrate that the temperature anisotropy arising as FEBs descend along the flare loop significantly impacts the ECMI. The maximum growth rates of the excited modes exhibit a gradual increase initially and then decline rapidly after reaching a critical height for β0 = 0.2c and 0.15c. The results also show that the growth rates of the O2 mode are one order of magnitude smaller than those of the O1 and X2 modes. This indicates that the harmonic radiation is X-mode polarized. Notably, the temperature anisotropy of FEBs as they precipitate along the flare loop with different magnetic field models or at different heights has similar effects on the ECMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Shock waves in the solar corona are associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Type II solar bursts are radio signatures of shock waves in the solar corona. They are driven by solar flares or CMEs. Despite extensive studies, the intricate spectral patterns observed in type II solar bursts occasionally pose new challenges for the theory of electron acceleration in shocks. Aims. We study a newly identified feature in type II solar bursts called spectral cleaving. This feature is characterized by the actual branching of a type II radio emission lane in radio spectral data. Methods. We analyzed the type II burst exhibiting spectral cleaving in high-fidelity dynamic spectra obtained using the URAN-2 radio telescope (8.25–33 MHz; Poltava region, Ukraine) on 2011 February 14. The high-resolution spectrograms were examined to ascertain its spectral morphology. Results. Our research represents the first recognition of spectral cleaving as a peculiarity of type II bursts that is yet to be classified. This effect occurs due to the shift (or migration) of radio source(s) along a shock front, which in turn is caused by changes in the magnetic field orientation ahead of the propagating shock front. Conclusions. The spectral cleaving observed in solar type II bursts reveals a distinct phenomenon that indicates complex interactions between shock waves and magnetic fields in the solar corona. This discovery enhances our understanding of the mechanisms behind solar radio emissions and emphasizes the need for further observational studies to verify these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of solar flares with simple temporal structures can help us to understand the features and mechanisms of energy and particle propagation. A weak impulsive solar flare that occurred on 2021 June 3 provided such opportunity. For the purposes of the study, we used microwave observations with spatial resolution from the Siberian Radioheliograph (3–6 GHz) combined with various spectral radio and X-ray data. Flare topology analysis revealed a configuration consisting of a small loop or dome-like structure associated with a compact bright source, and a long high loop system associated with the diffuse source. This indicates a compact and relatively low-lying site of acceleration and initial energy release. The radio metre and the microwave emission demonstrated a peak-to-peak correlation in three of the four bursts. The delays obtained from comparing microwave and metre radio ranges are in good agreement with the delays from the metre dynamic spectrum analysis, but the different radio bursts had different delays. We found that the electron energies derived from metre dynamic spectrum analysis are lower than those shown by hard X-ray emissions. According to the results of theoretical simulations, this can be explained by the expansion of magnetic loops with altitude. The difference in drift velocities for various radio bursts can be the result of the different size of the loop where the electron beams are propagated. This can be a feature related to the configuration type of the studied flare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a summary of the continuous non-stop (hereinafter 24/7) real-time measurement and warning system for EUV solar activity, which is based on worldwide multifrequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations. The system relies on continuous tracking of the intensity of expected global patterns in the Earth's ionosphere's free electron distribution, which are associated with solar flares. The paper includes a discussion on the foundations of GNSS Solar Astronomy, along with details on its real-time implementation that began in 2011. Furthermore, a summary of the corresponding validation is provided, comparing it to external and direct solar EUV flux measurements obtained from SOHO-SEM. Finally, there will be a brief mention of the ongoing efforts to extend this technique to detect huge extra-solar sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ASO-S/HXI is a bi-grids modulating instrument for solar hard X-ray imaging, whose collimator contains 91 pairs of tungsten grids. Since the solar disk is invisible in hard X-rays, a Solar Aspect System (SAS) is required to provide the pointing of hard X-ray imager (HXI) for locating X-ray sources on the solar disk. In addition, the knowledge of the alignment and relative twist of the corresponding front–rear grid pairs is important for image reconstruction as well as locating flares. Therefore, the SAS system was designed to monitor the alignment status of HXI grids and to provide the pointing direction of the HXI collimator with two subsystems DM and SA during the whole life cycle of HXI. DM measures the centroids of the front frosted glasses and the solar disk. SA images the Sun and provides precise relative locations of the solar disk center. Both work in the visible light of 565–585 nm. With all the data together, we can solve with an inversion algorithm the alignment status of the front and rear grids, the relative twist, and the pointing direction. We tested and validated the SAS design with both the simulation model and ground coordinate measuring machine. Here we present the detailed system design, the testing results, the inversion algorithm, and the in-orbit status of the SAS. Currently, the SAS has realized the rotational measurement accuracy of about 4 arcsec, and a translational measurement accuracy of about 15 μm, and the SAS pointing data has been used in both imaging calibration for flare locations and imaging corrections for the platform drifting effect. The high-cadence precise measurement (better than 0.3 arcsec) of the pointing will allow the study of source locations at different energies and therefore help us to understand electron acceleration and transportation in flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a statistical study on the relationship of solar dynamic events (solar flares and coronal mass ejections) with active regions during Solar Cycle 24 (December 2008–December 2019). Combining data from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and observations of Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, we found that more than a half of the coronal mass ejections were generated inside active regions. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) soft X-ray flare listing data completed our study showing that almost 83% of Solar Cycle 24 flares are connected with active regions. Finally, we summarize the details for the related phenomena into an online catalog based on a list of all 1533 active regions that produced at least one flare and/or coronal mass ejection during Solar Cycle 24 and explore their properties like flare class, coronal mass ejection speed, and angular width paying special attention to the most powerful and threatful to Earth solar events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar flares are significant occurrences in solar physics, impacting space weather and terrestrial technologies. Accurate classification of solar flares is essential for predicting space weather and minimizing potential disruptions to communication, navigation, and power systems. This study addresses the challenge of selecting the most relevant features from multivariate time-series data, specifically focusing on solar flares. We employ methods such as Mutual Information (MI), Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR), and Euclidean Distance to identify key features for classification. Recognizing the performance variability of different feature selection techniques, we introduce an ensemble approach to compute feature weights. By combining outputs from multiple methods, our ensemble method provides a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of features. Our results show that the ensemble approach significantly improves classification performance, achieving values 0.15 higher in True Skill Statistic (TSS) values compared to individual feature selection methods. Additionally, our method offers valuable insights into the underlying physical processes of solar flares, leading to more effective space weather forecasting and enhanced mitigation strategies for communication, navigation, and power system disruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review covers the techniques, observations, and inferences of solar flare spectroscopy. It is not a spectroscopist's view of solar flares but rather a solar flare physicist's view of spectroscopy. Spectroscopy is carried out across the electromagnetic spectrum, but this review emphasizes the optical to soft X-ray part of the spectrum and discusses results from spectroscopy applied to the preflare, impulsive, and gradual phases, as well as a few highlights from modeling. The main spectroscopic signatures of the preflare phase are line broadening in optically thin ultraviolet to soft X-ray lines and small Doppler shifts in active region filaments that are becoming unstable. In the impulsive phase, fast upflows of heated plasma into the corona and slow downflows of cooler chromospheric plasma take place at the sites of strong chromospheric energy deposition. Radiation-hydrodynamic modeling of optically thick spectral lines gives a picture of an impulsive-phase chromosphere with a dense, heated layer deep in the atmosphere and an overlying, downward moving condensation that is partially optically thin. Gradual-phase observations show us the heated coronal plasma cooling and draining but also provide evidence for ongoing slow energy input and slow upflows in other locations. Interesting hints of non-Maxwellian and nonequilibrium plasmas have been found, along with possible evidence of plasma turbulence from line broadening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 22 January 2024, at 18 UT, a strong earthquake (EQ), Mw = 7, occurred with the epicenter at 41°N, 79°E. This seismic event generated a complex response, the elements of which correspond to the concept of lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling through electromagnetic processes. While flying over the EQ area on the night-ide of the Earth, the tandem of low-orbiting Swarm satellites observed small-scale irregularities in the plasma density with an amplitude of ~1.5 × 104 el/cm3, which are likely associated with the penetration of the coseismic electric field into the ionosphere. The local anomaly was detected against the background of a global increase in total electron content, TEC (although geomagnetic indices remained quiet), since the moment of EQ coincided with the ionospheric response to a solar flare. In the troposphere, specific humidity decreased while latent heat flux and aerosol optical depth increased, all exhibiting the co-located disturbances that can be attributed to the effect of increased air ionization rates, resulting in greater electrical conductivity in the near-Earth boundary layer. Anomalies started developing over the epicenter the day before and maximized on the day of the main shock and aftershocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronal mass ejections from the Sun are not always initiated along a radial trajectory; such non-radial eruptions are well known to be caused by the asymmetry of the pre-eruption magnetic configuration, which is primarily determined by the uneven distribution of magnetic flux at the photosphere. Therefore, it is naturally expected that the non-radial eruptions should be rather common, at least as frequent as radial ones, given the typically asymmetrical nature of photospheric magnetic flux. However, statistical studies have shown that only a small fraction of eruptions display non-radial behaviour. Here we aim to shed light on this counterintuitive fact, based on a series of numerical simulations of eruption initiation in bipolar fields with different asymmetric flux distributions. As the asymmetry of the flux distribution increases, the eruption direction tends to deviate further away from the radial path, accompanied by a decrease in eruption intensity. In case of too strong asymmetry, no eruption is triggered, indicating that excessively inclined eruptions cannot occur. Therefore, our simulations suggest that asymmetry plays a negative role in producing eruption, potentially explaining the lesser frequency of non-radial solar eruptions compared to radial ones. With increasing asymmetry, the degree of non-potentiality the field can attain is reduced. Consequently, the intensity of the pre-eruption current sheet decreases, and reconnection becomes less efficient, resulting in weaker eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) event can be observed as an increase in the background of ground‐based neutron monitor observations and is often associated with an increase of >500 MeV space‐based proton flux measurements. GLE events begin as very high‐energy SEP events associated with GeV protons. For such events to be detected at sea level, proton energies must exceed about 433 MeV. Since the increased flux of such particles can be a major problem to technology in space and on Earth and pose a threat for human health, developing real time warning systems is of great importance. GLE Alert++ is a product, built by the Athens Cosmic Ray Group of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, that issues alerts when a GLE event starts to register and is based on ground‐based neutron monitor observations. From the space‐based approach, the HESPERIA UMASEP‐500 product, jointly developed within the framework of the EU HORIZON2020 HESPERIA project by the Universidad de Malaga, Spain and National Observatory of Athens, Greece, provides forecasts of GLE events and >500 MeV protons relying on GOES satellite Soft X‐Ray and high energy proton observations. These two products are fully integrated as federated products on the ESA SWE Portal and are provided as part of the ESA Space Safety Program Space Weather Service Network. In this paper we present how the products were built, provide examples of their outputs as seen on the ESA SWE Portal, and show how the products complement each other and how using them together can in some instances provide more information for users of these services. Plain Language Summary: High‐energy solar energetic particle events contribute to the characterization of the space environment and in extreme cases their effects can be registered on Earth. A Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) event can be observed as an increase in the background of ground‐based neutron monitor observations and is often associated with an increase of >500 MeV space‐based proton flux measurements. Such particles can have potential impacts on space systems, avionics and human health. Therefore, space‐based and ground‐based monitoring of these particles is essential, and so is having reliable real‐time warning systems. In this paper we present two space weather products that have been built for this purpose: (a) GLE Alert++, built by the Athens Cosmic Ray Group of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, issues alerts when a GLE event has been registered and is based on ground‐based neutron monitor observations., (b) EU HORIZON2020 HESPERIA UMASEP‐500 provides forecasts of GLE events and >500 MeV protons relying on GOES satellite Soft X‐Ray and high‐energy proton observations. HESPERIA UMASEP‐500 and GLE Alert++, available on the ESA SWE Portal, complement each other and provide space weather users with valuable added advance warnings minutes before and trustworthy alerts during GLE events. Key Points: Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) Alert++ issues alerts when a GLE event starts to register and is based on ground‐based neutron monitor observationsHESPERIA UMASEP‐500 provides forecasts of GLE events and >500 MeV protons relying on Soft X‐Ray and high‐energy proton observationsHESPERIA UMASEP‐500 and GLE Alert++ are complementary tools that enhance space weather forecasting capabilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze images and the frequency spectrum of microwave emission in the maximum of brightness distribution in the January 20, 2022 and July 16, 2023 flares recorded by the Siberian Radioheliograph in the 3–6 GHz and 6–12 GHz ranges. We use the obtained spectrum data for radio diagnostics of magnetic field strength and orientation, plasma density, and parameters of accelerated particles in a radio source. The radio diagnostics is carried out by a method based on minimizing the functional containing the intensities of theoretically calculated and observed frequency spectra of left-polarized and right-polarized emission. Since the form of such a multidimensional functional is quite complex, and it is not possible to minimize it by standard approaches, we employ a genetic minimization method. The radio diagnostics allows us to determine features of the dynamics of the magnetic field intensity and orientation, as well as the density and the energy spectral index of non-thermal electrons in the region of maximum brightness of the radio source. We have found that during the growth phase of the main radiation peaks the magnetic field decreases, whereas during the decay phase, on the contrary, it increases. The rate of these changes varies from a few G/s to 11 G/s for the January 20, 2022 flare and is about 1 G/s for the July 16, 2023 flare.

This study reports comprehensive observations for the G5-level geomagnetic storm that occurred from May 10 to 12, 2024, the most intense event since the 2003 Halloween storm. The storm was triggered by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) originating from the merging of two active regions 13664/13668, which formed a large and complex photospheric magnetic configuration and produced X-class flares in early May 2024. Among the events, the most significant CME, driven by an X2.2 flare on May 9, caught up with and merged with a preceding slower CME associated with an X-class flare on May 8. These combined CMEs reached 1 AU simultaneously, resulting in an extreme geomagnetic storm. Geostationary satellite observations revealed changes in Earth’s magnetosphere due to solar wind impacts, increased fluxes of high-energy particles, and periodic magnetic field fluctuations accompanied by particle injections. Extreme geomagnetic storms resulting from the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetosphere caused significant energy influx into Earth’s upper atmosphere over the polar regions, leading to thermospheric heating and changes in the global atmospheric composition and ionosphere. As part of this global disturbance, significant disruptions were also observed in the East Asian sector, including the Korean Peninsula. Ground-based observations show strong negative storm effects in the ionosphere, which are associated with thermospheric heating and resulting in decreases in the oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio (O/N2) in high-latitude regions. Global responses of storm-time prompt penetration electric fields were also observed from magnetometers over the East-Asian longitudinal sector. We also briefly report storm-time responses of aurora and cosmic rays using all-sky cameras and neutron monitors operated by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). The extensive observations of the G5-level storm offer crucial insights into Sun-Earth interactions during extreme space weather events and may help establish better preparation for future space weather challenges.

In the period December 12, 2022, to February 28, 2023, we performed a series of UBVRI observations of 65 asteroids, including 50 primitive-type objects, which could be observed near perihelion at that time, and calculated their approximated reflectance spectra. The observations were aimed at searching for spectral signs of sublimation-driven dust activity in the asteroids and formation of a transient dust exosphere, which are caused by the presence of Н2О ice in their interior and the highest subsolar temperature. Based on the analysis of the accuracy and shape of approximated reflectance spectra of the primitive-type asteroids, a set of which was conventionally restricted by the geometric albedo value not exceeding 0.10, we found sublimation-driven dust activity in asteroids 164 Eva, 360 Carlova, and 750 Oskar by distinct short-term variations in the reflectance of these asteroids in the U band. During one of the nights, similar spectral changes and sublimation-driven dust activity related to them were detected in asteroid 629 Bernardina; the geometric albedo of this asteroid is somewhat higher (0.14 or 0.19), which may be indicative of a heterogeneous composition of its material and, apparently, a local outcropping of water ice on its surface. Moreover, in three asteroids of a high-temperature type, 757 Portlandia, 1121 Natascha, and 1687 Glarona, noticeable variations were detected in the entire spectral range; they may be connected with ejection of submicron dust particles from the surface by some other mechanisms. To substantiate and interpret the results of observations, we numerically modeled the reflectance spectra of conditional asteroids of taxonomic types C and S (with low- and high-temperature mineralogy, respectively), which are enveloped by an optically thin dust exosphere containing aggregate or homogeneous submicron particles of different composition. On the basis of this modeling, we introduce a quantitative criterion to identify a weak sublimation-driven dust activity in primitive-type asteroids in the visible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geomagnetic 'solar flare effect' (SFE) results from excess ionization in the Earth's ionosphere, famously first detected at the time of the Carrington flare in 1859. This indirect detection of a flare constituted one of the first cases of 'multimessenger astronomy', whereby solar ionizing radiation stimulates ionospheric currents. Well-observed SFEs have few-minute time-scales and perturbations of >10 nT, with the greatest events reaching above 100 nT. In previously reported cases, the SFE time profiles tend to resemble those of solar soft X-ray emission, which ionizes the D-region; there is also a less-well-studied contribution from Lyman α. We report here a specific case, from flare SOL2024-03-10 (M7.4), in which an impulsive SFE deviated from this pattern. This flare contained an 'early impulsive' component of exceptionally hard radiation, extending up to γ-ray energies above 1 MeV, distinctly before the bulk of the flare soft X-ray emission. We can characterize the spectral distribution of this early-impulsive component in detail, thanks to the modern extensive wavelength coverage. A more typical gradual SFE occurred during the flare's main phase. We suggest that events of this type warrant exploration of the solar physics in the 'impulse response' limit of very short time-scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

XB 1254−690 is a neutron star low-mass X-ray binary with an orbital period of 3.88 h, and it exhibits energy-dependent intensity dips, thermonuclear bursts, and flares. We present the results of an analysis of a long observation of this source using the AstroSat satellite. The X-ray light curve gradually changed from a high-intensity flaring state to a low-intensity one with a few dips. The hardness–intensity diagram showed that the source is in a high-intensity banana state with a gradually changing flux. Based on this, we divide the observation into four flux levels for a flux-resolved spectral study. The X-ray spectra can be explained by a model consisting of absorption, thermal emission from the disc, and non-thermal emission from the corona. From our studies, we detect a correlation between the temperature of the thermal component and the flux and we examine the implications of our results for the accretion disc geometry of this source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The explosive release of energy in the solar atmosphere is driven magnetically, but the mechanisms that trigger the onset of the eruption remain controversial. In the case of flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), ideal or non-ideal instabilities usually occur in the corona, but it is difficult to obtain direct observations and diagnostics there. To overcome this difficulty, we analyze observational signatures in the upper chromosphere or transition region, particularly brightening and dimming at the base of coronal magnetic structures. In this paper, we examine the time evolution of spatially resolved light curves in two eruptive flares and identify a variety of tempo-spatial sequences of brightening and dimming, such as dimming followed by brightening and dimming preceded by brightening. These brightening--dimming sequences are indicative of the configuration of energy release in the form of plasma heating or bulk motion. We demonstrate the potential of using these analyses to diagnose the properties of magnetic reconnection and plasma expansion in the corona during the early stages of the eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient forecasting of solar flares is of significant importance for better risk prevention. Currently, there is relatively rare research on multi/four-classification of flares, and the influence of the number of time steps and data feature dimensions on the prediction performance of multi-class models has not been considered. In this study, we utilize the Space-weather HMI Active Region Patch (SHARP) data to develop two categories of models for multiclass flare prediction within 24 hr, including direct output four-classification models and four-classification models using a cascading scheme. The former encompasses Random Forest (RF) model, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, and Bidirectional LSTM (BLSTM) model, while the latter includes BLSTM Cascade (BLSTM-C) model and BLSTM Cascade with Attention Mechanism (BLSTM-C-A) model. These two categories of models are employed to contrast the impact of different numbers of time steps and the predictive performance in solar flare multi/four-classification. Additionally, we conduct, for the first time, feature importance analysis for multi/four-classification solar flare prediction using deep learning models. The main results are as follows: (1) As the number of time steps increases, the True Skill Statistic (TSS) scores of the four deep learning models improve, showing an overall upward trend in predictive performance. The models achieve their optimal performance when the number of time steps reaches 120. (2) Among the direct output four-class models, deep learning models (LSTM and BLSTM) outperform traditional machine learning model (RF). In both multi-class and binary-class predictions using deep learning, the BLSTM-C model performs better than other deep learning models (LSTM, BLSTM, and BLSTM-C-A). (3) In the feature importance analysis, the top-ranked important features include SAVNCPP and R_VALUE, while the least important features include SHRGT45 and MEANPOT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solar eruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) is a solar-gazing spectrograph scheduled to fly in the summer of 2025 on a NASA sounding rocket. Its goal is to view the solar chromosphere and transition region at a high cadence (1 s) both spatially ( 0.5 ″ ) and spectrally (33 mÅ) viewing wavelengths around Lyman alpha (1216 Å), Si iii (1206 Å), and O v (1218 Å) to observe spicules, nanoflares, and possibly a solar flare. This time cadence will provide yet-unobserved detail about fast-changing features of the Sun. The instrument is comprised of a Gregorian-style reflecting telescope combined with a spectrograph via a specialized mirrorlet array that focuses the light from each spatial location in the image so that it may be spectrally dispersed without overlap from neighboring locations. This paper discusses the driving science, detailed instrument and subsystem design, and preintegration testing of the SNIFS instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 21 April 2023, a significant M1.7 solar flare erupted from Active Region 13283, accompanied by a filament eruption and a full-halo Coronal Mass Ejection, which reached Earth on 23 April, triggering a severe geomagnetic storm, with Kp reaching 8 (G4) and Dst plummeting to −212 nT together with a sharply distinguished long-lasting negative double-dip behavior of the z -component of the interplanetary magnetic field. This event led to remarkable auroral displays, even at mid-latitudes in Europe. The flare-induced filament eruption caused distinct intensity dimming in the solar corona, observed in specific EUV wavelengths. We observed the dimming region growing at its fastest rate before the flare reached its peak of intensity. Notably, the proximity of the flare to a large southern coronal hole influenced the expansion and propagation of the coronal mass ejection toward Earth, probably impacting the solar wind speed and density. Additionally, we observed a sudden expansion of the coronal hole during the flare, leading us to speculating that the adjacent flare may have further stimulated the flow of solar-wind particles along the open magnetic-field lines. In accordance with the severe Dst-index disturbance, we also report changes in the potential of the pipeline of an Italian energy infrastructure company with respect to the surrounding soil as well as double-dip variation in the H-component of the terrestial magnetic field observed locally (reminiscent to what reported in Dst-index and IMF Bz) temporal profiles, confirming the effects of the geomagnetic storm at Italy mid-latitudes. Several solar radio events have been observed too. Therefore this study provides insights into the dynamic solar phenomena and their potential geomagnetic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of measuring VLF signal parameters propagating in the Earth-D-region of the ionosphere waveguide to assess changes in the state of the lower ionosphere as a result of the impact of X-ray radiation of solar flares make it possible to obtain qualitative data on the nature and magnitude of the impact. Obtaining accurate data on the relationship between changes in electron concentration and flare parameters and reliable prediction of the conditions of LF radio signal propagation during strong geophysical disturbances is complicated by the lack of complete information on the frequency spectrum of X-ray radiation for a particular flare and data on the ionization rate of the ionosphere for flares of different classes. The technique of determining the X-ray spectrum in a wide range of wavelengths and calculating the ionization coefficients of the lower ionosphere as a function of the ionizing radiation parameters of flares, presented by Ryakhovsky et al. (2023), makes it possible to improve the accuracy in estimating variations in the parameters of the lower ionosphere. The present paper is devoted to verifying the performance of the developed empirical model of lower ionization of the lower ionosphere at the solar flare front and comparing the results with experimental data on the variation of VLF radio parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flare ribbons formed in solar two-ribbon flares after eruptions of prominences diverge in opposite directions from the polarity inversion line of the photospheric longitudinal magnetic field, sharply slowing down with time and distance from this line. Examples of such events are given, and the kinematics of flare ribbons is demonstrated. A comparison of the position of the ribbons with the distribution of the photospheric magnetic field shows that the separation of the ribbons slows down when they enter a region of a strong longitudinal field. A simple model of prominence eruption illustrates the kinematic features of the motion of the ribbons and the relation to the sources of the coronal magnetic field in the photosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sun's history is still a subject of interest to modern astrophysics. Observationally constrained rates of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) of young solar analogues are still lacking, as those require dedicated monitoring. We present medium-resolution optical spectroscopic monitoring of a small sample of bright and prominent solar analogues over a period of 3 yr using the 0.5-m telescope at observatory Lustbühel Graz (OLG) of the University of Graz, Austria. The aim is the detection of flares and CMEs from those spectra. In more than 1700 h of spectroscopic monitoring, we found signatures of four flares and one filament eruption on EK Dra which has been reported in previous literature, but we complementarily extended the data to cover the latter phase. The other stars did not reveal detectable signatures of activity. For these non-detections, we derive upper limits of occurrence rates of very massive CMEs, which are detectable with our observational setup, ranging from 0.1 to 2.2 d−1, but these may be even smaller than the given rates considering observational biases. Furthermore, we investigate the detectability of flares/CMEs in OLG spectra by utilizing solar 2D Hα spectra from Mees Solar Observatory. We find that solar-sized events are not detectable within our observations. By scaling up the size of the solar event, we show that with a fractional active region area of 18 per cent in residual spectra and 24 per cent in equivalent width time series derived from the same residuals that solar events are detectable if they had hypothetically occurred on HN Peg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flares, sometimes accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are the result of sudden changes in the magnetic field of stars with high energy release through magnetic reconnection, which can be observed across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to the optical range to X-rays. In our observational review, we attempt to collect some fundamental new results, which can largely be linked to the Big Data era that has arrived due to the expansion of space photometric observations over the last two decades. We list the different types of stars showing flare activity and their observation strategies and discuss how their main stellar properties relate to the characteristics of the flares (or even CMEs) they emit. Our goal is to focus, without claiming to be complete, on those results that may, in one way or another, challenge the "standard" flare model based on the solar paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the compilation of a comprehensive catalog of solar energetic protons (SEPs) in solar cycles (SCs) 23 and 24 (1996–2019) in 10 energy channels from about 20 to 100 MeV based on data from the Energetic and Relativistic Nuclei and Electron (ERNE) instrument aboard Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). For comparison, we added previously reported SEP fluxes by a number of different sources. We identified the SEP-solar origin in terms of solar flares and coronal mass ejections and calculated the statistical correlations (Pearson and partial) as a function of the SEP energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomagnetic storms (GSs) are major disturbances in the terrestrial atmosphere caused by the reconnection process between the incoming plasma ejecta in the solar wind and the planetary magnetosphere. The strongest GSs can lead to auroral displays even at lower latitudes, and cause both satellite and ground-based infrastructure malfunctions. The early recognition of geoeffective events based on specific features on the solar photosphere is crucial for the development of early warning systems. In this study, we explore 16 magnetic field parameters provided by the Space-weather HMI Active Region Patch (SHARP) database from the SDO/HMI instrument. The analysis includes 64 active regions that produced strong GS during solar cycle (SC) 24 and the ongoing SC25. We present the statistical results between the SHARP and solar parameters, in terms of Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and discuss their space weather potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the association of X-ray solar flares with the magnetic complexity of sunspot groups in active regions for the period from 1996 to 2023 (solar cycles 23 to 24 and ascending phase of solar cycle 25). Statistically, we have found that (1) the total 37,166 sunspots are affiliated with the 5412 active regions. Following the Hale magnetic complexity categorization method, a total occurring sunspot groups, comprised of 31.01% α, 57.13% β, 0.01% γ, 0% δ, 0.027% γδ, 0.54% βδ, 8.45% βγ, and 2.83% βγδ magnetic groups. (2) We also found that a total of 44,667 solar flares were observed in selected time intervals. Out of that total of 44,667 solar flares, only 24,031 (60.40%) flares have their solar active region, remaining flares have an unknown solar origin. Further investigation also shows that, out of 24,031 solar flares only 23,531 solar flares are associated with sunspot groups of different magnetic complexity (according to Hale magnetic classification). These sunspot groups are affiliated with the 2499 active regions. The investigated flares (sunspot-associated) database consists of 34.11% B-, 57.87% C-, 7.36% M-, and 0.63% X-class flares. Finally, we found that a higher percentage of the intense flares (M- and X-Class) are associated with the βγδ type sunspot groups in solar cycles 23 and 24. We also observed that maximum X-class flares are associated with βγδ sunspot groups during the peak of solar cycles 23 and 24. Whereas maximum B- and C-class flares are associated with β sunspot groups during the ascending phase of each solar cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar transient events like flares can cause sudden changes in planetary plasma and neutral environment. However, there is less understanding about their impact on the Martian emissions. Here, we present an investigation of the variability of the Martian atmospheric emissions, viz. OI 130.4 nm, 135.6 nm, CO2+ ultraviolet doublet (UVD), and CO Cameron band (CB) in the dayside near‐terminator region during solar flare events. The two X8.2 and M6 class flares during September 2017 on Mars have been selected from existing catalogs. Using data from the imaging ultraviolet spectrograph aboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft, we examined limb radiance profiles. We observed a significant increase in peak radiance (∼130–140 km) for major emissions with a more pronounced impact beneath the emissions peak during flares compared to quiet time. During solar flares, for 130.4 and 135.6 nm emission, the maximum deviation in radiance beneath peak approaches ∼63% and ∼123%, respectively. Whereas, for CO2+ UVD and CO CB, it is ∼64% and ∼50%, respectively. Additionally, we have presented an average scenario of the dayside near‐terminator (solar zenith angle ∼ 70–90°) and observed a notable trend of higher percentage deviation for atomic emissions compared to molecular emissions during flares. Further, our analysis depicts a higher percentage deviation during X8.2 compared to the M6 class flare. This study underscores that during flares, higher irradiance flux and photoelectron impact drive the airglow production processes, leading to enhanced emissions. The case studies offer a novel insight into the significant influence of the varying solar flares intensities on planetary atmospheric emissions. Plain Language Summary: The Sun emits photon radiation, which arrives on Mars in nearly 12–13 min. These radiations primarily the X‐ray and extreme ultraviolet, while interacting with Mars, deposit their energy into the atmosphere, causing gases like O, CO2, and CO to brighten up in UV colors. However, sometimes the Sun bursts energy with a sudden rise in the radiation, especially X‐ray, known as solar flares, which can affect the Mars space environment, especially the UV brightness. Our study focused on how Martian UV brightness changes during different solar flares. We found a significant increase in the peak brightness around 135 km altitude, particularly affecting the lower altitude region between 90 and 120 km. This phenomenon occurs due to the increased solar radiation and electron flux during flares that deposit a substantial amount of energy into the Martian atmosphere/ionosphere. In addition, we have also examined the overall changes in UV brightness from the dayside to the near‐terminator region. We found that atomic species like O showed more significant changes in the average brightness compared to molecular species like CO2 and CO during flares. These results shed new light on how the Sun influences the Mars space environment, which is crucial for future satellite and astronaut missions. Key Points: The flares induced enhanced Martian atmospheric radiance at the peak, with a higher percentage deviation found beneath the peak altitudesDuring the X8.2 flare, the maximum percentage deviation in peak radiance is observed to be greater in magnitude compared to the M6 flareThe percentage deviation of flare mean peak radiance is observed to be larger for the atomic emissions compared to the molecular emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar flares are powerful particle accelerators, and in the accepted standard flare model most of the flare energy is transported from a coronal energy-release region by accelerated electrons that stop collisionally in the chromosphere, heating and ionizing the plasma, producing a broad-band enhancement to the solar radiative output. We present a time-delay analysis of the infrared (IR) emission from two chromospheric sources in the flare SOL2014-09-24T17:50 taken at the McMath–Pierce telescope. By cross-correlating the intensity signals, measured with 1 s cadence, from the two spatially resolved IR sources we find a delay of |$0.75\pm 0.07$| s at |$8.2\,\mu$| m, where the uncertainties are quantified by a Monte Carlo analysis. The sources correlate well in brightness but have a time lag larger than can be reasonably explained by the energy transport dominated by non-thermal electrons precipitating from a single acceleration site in the corona. If interpreted as a time-of-flight difference between electrons travelling to each footpoint, we estimate time delays between 0.14 and 0.42 s, for a reconnection site at the interior quasi-separatrix layer, or at the null-point of the spine-fan topology inferred for this event. We employed modelling of electron transport via time-dependent Fokker–Planck and radiative hydrodynamic simulations to evaluate other possible sources of time-delay in the generation of the IR emission, such as differing ionization time-scales under different chromospheric conditions. Our results demonstrate that they are also unable to account for this discrepancy. This flare appears to require energy transport by some means other than electron beams originating in the corona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in 2010 and throughout the solar cycle 24, the Sun has produced few tens of X-class flares, which are the most energetic solar events. Those flares are produced in regions where the magnetic flux/energy is large and the magnetic configurations are complex. To provide more insights into the flaring process, we investigate the properties of magnetic null points (MNPs) and their correlation with the energy release sites. During solar cycle 24, we identify 17 X-class flares satisfying selection criteria. From SDO /HMI magnetograms, we perform potential extrapolations around the peak time of the flare to access the 3D coronal magnetic field and thus investigate the existence of coronal MNPs. We then correlate the flaring sites with the existing MNPs using SDO /AIA 171 Å; EUV observations, and deduce their properties (sign, spine, and fan). Six active regions out of 10 possess at least one MNP which is stable and with large magnetic field gradients: this implies that 35  per cent of X-class flares are associated with an MNP; of which 87.5 per cent of MNPs are of positive type. The MNPs associated with the flare sites are predominantly located at a height between 0.5 and 2 Mm, and with a vertical/radial spine field line. We also find a slight correlation between the MNPs not associated with a flare and negative-type MNPs (55 per cent) within the active region. Regarding the physics of flares, the association between the enhanced intensity at the flaring site and an MNP represents about a third of the possible scenarios for triggering X-class flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple pieces of evidence have revealed the important role of turbulence in physical processes in solar eruptions, from particle acceleration to the suppression of conductive cooling. Radio observations of density variation have established a Kolmogorov-like spectrum for solar wind density disturbance. Close to the Sun, measurements from extreme ultraviolet (EUV) bands have been used to examine turbulence in the solar atmosphere. The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO/AIA) has been frequently used for diagnosing plasma properties due to its complex coverage of temperature response. We compute structure functions (SFs) using SDO/AIA emission measurements for two example of plasma sheets. With the relationship of v ~ b ~ δη and δΙ ~ δ(η0 + δη)2 ~ δη (v, b, δη, and δΙ are turbulent velocity, magnetic field, number density, and intensity, respectively, and η0 is the background density), SFs of δΙ can be regarded as a proxy for those of the turbulent vand b fields in the plasma sheet. We show that by properly accounting for the radial dependence of the emission line intensity, an SF method is capable of probing the presence of turbulence from SDO/AIA emission lines. Compared to ίη situ observations, performing SFs on EUV emissions is advantageous in studying turbulence behavior in the wave-vector space, and it opens a new window for investigating turbulence from massive SDO/AIA observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The solar energetic particle analysis platform for the inner heliosphere (SERPENTINE) project, funded through the H2020-SPACE-2020 call of the European Union's Horizon 2020 framework program, employs measurements of the new inner heliospheric spacecraft fleet to address several outstanding questions on the origin of solar energetic particle (SEP) events. The data products of SERPENTINE include event catalogs, which are provided to the scientific community. Aims. In this paper, we present SERPENTINE's new multi-spacecraft SEP event catalog for events observed in solar cycle 25. Observations from five different viewpoints are utilized, provided by Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe, STEREO A, BepiColombo, and the near-Earth spacecraft Wind and SOHO. The catalog contains key SEP parameters for 25–40 MeV protons, ~1 MeV electrons, and ~100 keV electrons. Furthermore, basic parameters of associated flares and type II radio bursts are listed, as are the coordinates of the observer and solar source locations. Methods. An event is included in the catalog if at least two spacecraft detect a significant proton event with energies of 25–40 MeV. The SEP onset times were determined using the Poisson-CUSUM method. The SEP peak times and intensities refer to the global intensity maximum. If different viewing directions are available, we used the one with the earliest onset for the onset determination and the one with the highest peak intensity for the peak identification. We furthermore aimed to use a high time resolution to provide the most accurate event times. Therefore, we opted to use a 1-min time resolution, and more time averaging of the SEP intensity data was only applied if necessary to determine clean event onsets and peaks. Associated flares were identified using observations from near Earth and Solar Orbiter. Associated type II radio bursts were determined from ground-based observations in the metric frequency range and from spacecraft observations in the decametric range. Results. The current version of the catalog contains 45 multi-spacecraft events observed in the period from November 2020 until May 2023, of which 13 events were found to be widespread (observed at longitudes separated by at least 80° from the associated flare location) and four could be classified as narrow-spread events (not observed at longitudes separated by at least 80° from the associated flare location). Using X-ray observations by GOES/XRS and Solar Orbiter/STIX, we were able to identify the associated flare in all but four events. Using ground-based and space-borne radio observations, we found an associated type II radio burst for 40 events. In total, the catalog contains 142 single event observations, of which 20 (45) have been observed at radial distances below 0.6 AU (0.8 AU). It is anticipated that the catalog will be extended in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In 2020, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observed a rapidly rotating M7 dwarf, TIC 277539431, producing a flare at 81° latitude, the highest latitude flare located to date. This is in stark contrast to solar flares that occur much closer to the equator, typically below 30°. The mechanisms that allow flares at high latitudes to occur are poorly understood. Aims. We studied five sectors of TESS monitoring, and obtained 36 ks of XMM-Newton observations to investigate the coronal and flaring activity of TIC 277539431. Methods. From the observations, we infer the optical flare frequency distribution; flare loop sizes and magnetic field strengths; the soft X-ray flux, luminosity, and coronal temperatures; as well as the energy, loop size, and field strength of a large flare in the XMM-Newton observations. Results. We find that the corona of TIC 277539431 does not differ significantly from other low-mass stars on the canonical saturated activity branch with respect to coronal temperatures and flaring activity, but shows lower luminosity in soft X-ray emission by about an order of magnitude, consistent with other late M dwarfs. Conclusions. The lack of X-ray flux, the high-latitude flare, the star's viewing geometry, and the otherwise typical stellar corona taken together can be explained by the migration of flux emergence to the poles in rapid rotators like TIC 277539431 that drain the star's equatorial regions of magnetic flux, but preserve its ability to produce powerful flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a search for intraday transient γ-ray signals using 15.4 yr of the Fermi Large Area Telescope data. The search is based on a recently developed variable-size sliding-time-window (VSSTW) analysis and is aimed at studying variable γ-ray emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and the Sun. We refined the algorithm for searches for transient sources in order to solve the search problem within a reasonable amount of CPU time. These refinements allowed us to increase the number of gamma-ray bursts, solar flares, and quiescent solar events detected with the VSSTW technique by several times compared to the previous VSSTW search. The current search revealed a new γ-ray signal recorded with Fermi-LAT on 2018 January 12. This signal is probably from a GRB and deserves an exploration of the existing archival multiwavelength observations in order to identify it in an unambiguous way. We also report a γ-ray signal from the solar flare on 2023 December 31 that occurred during the 25th solar cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Blazar flares provide a window onto the extreme physical processes occurring in relativistic outflows. Most numerical codes used for modelling blazar emission during flares use a simplified continuous-loss description of particle cooling due to the inverse Compton (IC) process, neglecting non-continuous (discrete) effects that arise in the Klein–Nishina (KN) regime. The significance of such effects has not yet been explored in detail. Aims. In this study, we investigate the importance of non-continuous Compton cooling losses and their impact on the electron spectrum and spectral energy distribution (SED) of blazars during high flux states (flares), as well as in the low state. Methods. We solve the full transport equation numerically, accounting for large relative jumps in energy by extending our existing blazar flare modelling code EMBLEM. We perform a detailed physical modelling of the brightest γ-ray flare of the archetypal flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) 3C 279 detected in June 2015. We then compare results obtained using the full cooling term and using the continuous-loss approximation. Results. We show that during flaring states of FSRQs characterised by high Compton dominance, the non-continuous cooling can lead to significant modification of the electron spectrum, introducing a range of distinct features, such as low-energy tails, hardening and/or softening, narrow and extended particle excesses, and shifts in the cooling break position. Such distortion translates to differences in the associated SED of up to ∼50%. This highlights the importance of non-continuous effects and the need to consider them in blazar emission models, particularly applied to extreme γ-ray flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the development and testing of an experimental web-based SDR (software-defined radio) monitoring system for indirect solar activity detection, which has the ability to estimate and potentially predict various events in space and on earth, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms. The proposed system can be used to investigate the effect of solar activity on the propagation of very-low-frequency (VLF) signals. The advantages and benefits of the given approach are as follows: increasing measurement accuracy and eventual solar activity identification by combining measurements from multiple spatially distributed SDRs. The verification process involves carrying out several experiments comparing data from the GOES satellite system and the Dunksin SuperSID system with information received by the SDR monitoring system. Then, utilizing Pearson correlation coefficients, the measured data from the SDRs, along with those from the GOES satellite system and the Dunsing monitoring station, are investigated. At the time of a solar flare, the correlation value is above 90% for most of the stations used. Combining the signal-to-noise ratio via summation also shows an improvement in the results, with a correlation above 98%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]