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Several techniques have been developed in the last two decades to forecast the occurrence of Solar Proton Events (SPEs), mainly based on the statistical association between the >10 MeV proton flux and precursor parameters. The Empirical model for Solar Proton Events Real Time Alert (ESPERTA; Laurenza et al., 2009, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007sw000379) provides a quite good and timely prediction of SPEs after the occurrence of ≥M2 soft x‐ray (SXR) bursts, by using as input parameters the flare heliolongitude, the SXR and the ∼1 MHz radio fluence. Here, we reinterpret the ESPERTA model in the framework of machine learning and perform a cross validation, leading to a comparable performance. Moreover, we find that, by applying a cut‐off on the ≥M2 flares heliolongitude, the False Alarm Rate (FAR) is reduced. The cut‐off is set to E20° where the cumulative distribution of ≥M2 flares associated with SPEs shows a break which reflects the poor magnetic connection between the Earth and eastern hemisphere flares. The best performance is obtained by using the SMOTE algorithm, leading to probability of detection of 0.83 and a FAR of 0.39. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that a relevant FAR on the predictions is a natural consequence of the sample base rates. From a Bayesian point of view, we find that the FAR explicitly contains the prior knowledge about the class distributions. This is a critical issue of any statistical approach, which requires to perform the model validation by preserving the class distributions within the training and test datasets. Plain Language Summary: This paper addresses the open issues in the statistical forecasting of solar proton events by reinterpreting the ESPERTA model in a machine learning approach. Results show a good performance for central and well‐connected events and highlight the importance of validating any statistical method by preserving the base rate of the events. Key Points: We reinterpret the Empirical model for Solar Proton Events Real Time Alert (ESPERTA) model in the framework of machine learning, apply rare events corrections and perform a suitable cross validationWe obtain a good performance, especially for central and well‐connected eventsWe find that the False Alarm Rate (FAR) depends on the ratio between the Solar Proton Event (SPE) and non‐SPE flares, which has to be considered in the validation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the properties of the complex network for solar proton flux (SPF) at six integral energy channels (>1, >5, >10, >30, >50, and >100 MeV). We construct a growing visibility network based on the SPF time series for proton for each channel, which observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites from April 14, 2010 to May 9, 2018. The clustering coefficient values for SPF networks are much larger than those of the equivalent random network. The logarithmic behavior of the characteristic path length refers to the characteristics of the small‐world network. The degree distribution of nodes obeys the power‐law behavior with certain exponents that reflects the scale‐free nature of the networks. For the constructed SPF networks, the average clustering coefficient shows a jump when the large flares occurred. We show that both western solar longitude large flares (X‐class, M‐class) and flares associated with coronal mass ejections (with speed greater than 500 km s−1) are relatively more related to the peaks (more than the median) of both SPF time series and PageRank of the networks. We conclude that both the PageRank and clustering coefficient of the SPF network are useful indicators to identify the source of SPFs related to flares and flares associated with coronal mass ejections. Key Points: The network approach confirms that flares are one of the most important sources of the solar proton fluxProton flux forms a scale‐free network with small‐world behavior, which shows large peaks are linked with several small neighboring peaksDue to filtering out noise and interferences by mapping a proton flux to a network, the network measures show high correlations with flares [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated, through numerical models, the flaring variability that may arise from the rotation of maser clouds of approximately spheroidal geometry, ranging from strongly oblate to strongly prolate examples. Inversion solutions were obtained for each of these examples over a range of saturation levels from unsaturated to highly saturated. Formal solutions were computed for rotating clouds with many randomly chosen rotation axes, and corresponding averaged maser light curves plotted with statistical information. The dependence of results on the level of saturation and on the degree of deformation from the spherical case was investigated in terms of a variability index and duty cycle. It may be possible to distinguish observationally between flares from oblate and prolate objects. Maser flares from rotation are limited to long time-scales (at least a few years) and modest values of the variability index (≲100), and can be aperiodic or quasi-periodic. Rotation is therefore not a good model for H2O variability on time-scales of weeks to months, or of truly periodic flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study electron radial diffusion coefficients derived from Pc4‐Pc5 ultralow frequency (ULF) wave power during the intense geomagnetic storm on 17–18 March 2015. During this storm the population of highly relativistic electrons was depleted within 2 hr of the storm commencement. This radial diffusion, depending upon the availability of source populations, can cause outward radial diffusion of particles and their loss to the magnetosheath, or inward transport and acceleration. Analysis of electromagnetic field measurements from Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES), Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellite, and ground‐based magnetometers shows that the main phase storm‐specific radial diffusion coefficients do not correspond to statistical estimates. Specifically, during the main phase, the electric diffusion (DLLE) is reduced, and the magnetic diffusion (DLLB) is increased, compared to empirical models based on Kp. Contrary to prior results, the main phase magnetic radial diffusion cannot be neglected. The largest discrepancies, and periods of dominance of DLLB over DLLE, occur during intervals of strongly southward IMF. However, during storm recovery, both magnetic and electric diffusion rates are consistent with empirical estimates. We further verify observationally, for the first time, an energy coherence for both DLLB and DLLE where diffusion coefficients do not depend on energy. We show that, at least for this storm, properly characterizing main phase radial diffusion, potentially associated with enhanced ULF wave magnetopause shadowing losses, cannot be done with standard empirical models. Modifications, associated especially with southward IMF, which enhance the effects of DLLB and introduce larger main phase outward transport losses, are needed. Key Points: Event‐specific electric and magnetic diffusion both show coherent energy dependence during the intense March 2015 magnetic stormMain phase event‐specific diffusion coefficients are poorly represented by empirical Kp‐dependent solar cycle averaged statistical modelsIntervals of southward IMF during the main phase drive strong compressional perturbations significantly enhancing magnetic diffusion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar proton events (SPEs) cause large‐scale ionization in the middle atmosphere leading to ozone loss and changes in the energy budget of the middle atmosphere. The accurate implementation of SPEs and other particle ionization sources in climate models is necessary to understand the role of energetic particle precipitation in climate variability. We use riometer observations from 16 riometer stations and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with added D region ion chemistry (WACCM‐D) to study the spatial and temporal extent of cosmic noise absorption (CNA) during 62 SPEs from 2000 to 2005. We also present a correction method for the nonlinear response of observed CNA during intense absorption events. We find that WACCM‐D can reproduce the observed CNA well with some need for future improvement and testing of the used energetic particle precipitation forcing. The average absolute difference between the model and the observations is found to be less than 0.5 dB poleward of about 66° geomagnetic latitude, and increasing with decreasing latitude to about 1 dB equatorward of about 66° geomagnetic latitude. The differences are largest during twilight conditions where the modeled changes in CNA are more abrupt compared to observations. An overestimation of about 1° to 3° geomagnetic latitude in the extent of the CNA is observed due to the fixed proton cutoff latitude in the model. An unexplained underestimation of CNA by the model during sunlit conditions is observed at stations within the polar cap during 18 of the studied events. Key Points: CNA during 62 SPEs was studied with WACCM‐D and riometer observationsCNA is modeled well on average and in individual events with a nonlinearity correction for high levels of CNAThe fixed proton cutoff latitude in WACCM‐D at 60 degrees leads to overestimation of the extent of the CNA, especially in small to moderate SPEs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The powerful solar flares that occurred on September 4-10, 2017 are analyzed based on a quantitative diagnostics method for proton flares developed at the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, the Ionosphere and Radio-Wave Propagation (IZMIRAN) in the 1970-1980s. We show that the fluxes and energy spectra of the protons reached the Earth with the energies of tens of MeV qualitatively and quantitatively correspond to the intensity and frequency spectra of the microwave radio bursts in the range of 2.7-15.4 GHz. Specifically, the flare of September 4 with a peak radio flux S ~ 2000 sfu at the frequency f ~ 3 GHz (i.e., with the soft radio spectrum) was accompanied by a significant proton flux J (>10 MeV) ~100 pfu and a soft energy spectrum with the index γ ~3.0, while the strong flare on September 10 with S ~ 21000 sfu at f ~ 15 GHz (i.e., with the hard radio spectrum) led to a very intense proton event with J (>10 MeV) ~1000 pfu with a hard spectrum (γ ~ 1.4), including the ground level enhancement (GLE72). This is further evidence that microwave radio data can be successfully used in diagnostics of proton flares independently of a specific source of particle acceleration at the Sun, in particular, with the IZMIRAN method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar flares observed during the 24th solar-activity cycle and accompanied by fluxes of particles detected at the Earth's orbit with intensities exceeding 10 particles cm-2 s-1 and energies of more than 10 MeV per particle mainly occurred in activity complexes (82% of cases), with 80% of these occurring no more than 20 heliographic degrees from the nearest coronal holes. The correlation between the X-ray classes of flares and the proton fluxes detected at the Earth's orbit is weak. The work presented here supports the hypothesis that the leakage of particles into the heliosphere is due to the existence of long-lived magnetic channels, which facilitate the transport of flare-accelerated particles into the boundary regions of open magnetic structures of coronal holes. The possible contribution of exchange reconnection in the formation of such channels and the role of exchange reconnection in the generation of flares are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an accurate characterization of the particle background behaviour on XMM-Newton based on the entire EPIC archive. This corresponds to the largest EPIC data set ever examined. Our results have been obtained thanks to the collaboration between the FP7 European program EXTraS and the ESA R&D ATHENA activity AREMBES. We used as a diagnostic an improved version of the diagnostic which compares the data collected in unexposed region of the detector with the region of the field of view in the EPIC-MOS. We will show that the in Field-of-View excess background is made up of two different components, one associated to flares produced by soft protons and the other one to a low-intensity background. Its origin needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of numerical photochemical simulations of the impact of the most powerful solar proton flares during the 23rd solar cycle on the ozonosphere in the polar regions of the Earth. A global 3D photochemical model, CHARM, developed at Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) was used in the simulations. The model introduces an additional source of nitrogen atoms and OH radicals. These components are formed due to the ionization effect of solar protons in the Earth's atmosphere. The ionization rate was determined from data on proton fluxes measured by GOES satellites. The production rate of additional NO and HО molecules per ion pair was based on published theoretical studies. It is shown that the most intense flares in the 23rd solar cycle (2000, 2001, and 2003) destroyed ozone in the mesosphere to a great extent (sometimes completely, for example, during the July 14, 2000, event). It is found that the response of ozone to solar proton events follows a seasonal pattern. For the first time, the long-term effect of solar proton events is identified; it is approximately one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper some of the brightest GeV sources observed by the Fermi -LAT were analysed, focusing on their spectral cut-off region. The sources chosen for this investigation were the brightest blazar flares of 3C 454.3 and 3C 279 and the Vela pulsar with a reanalysis with the latest Fermi -LAT software. For the study of the spectral cut-off we first explored the Vela pulsar spectrum, whose statistics in the time interval of the 3FGL catalog allowed strong constraints to be obtained on the parameters. We subsequently performed a new analysis of the flaring blazar SEDs. For these sources we obtained constraints on the cut-off parameters under the assumption that their underlying spectral distribution is described by a power-law with a stretched exponential cut-off. We then highlighted the significant potential improvements on such constraints by observations with next generation ground based Cherenkov telescopes, represented in our study by the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). Adopting currently available simulations for this future observatory, we demonstrate the considerable improvement in cut-off constraints achievable by observations with this new instrument when compared with that achievable by satellite observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PKS 1510-089 is one of the most variable blazars. Very high energy gamma ray emission from this source was observed by H.E.S.S. during March-April 2009 and by MAGIC from February 3 to April 3, 2012 quasi-simultaneously with multi-wavelength flares. The spectral energy distributions of these flares have been modeled earlier with the external Compton mechanism which depends on our knowledge of the densities of the seed photons in the broad line region, the dusty infrared torus or a hypothetical slow sheath surrounding the jet around the radio core. Here we show that to explain the multi-wavelength data with synchrotron emission of electrons and protons the jet power should be of the order of 10 48 ergs/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TeV γ -ray detections in flaring states without activity in X-rays from blazars have attracted much attention due to the irregularity of these “orphan” flares. Although the synchrotron self-Compton model has been very successful in explaining the spectral energy distribution and spectral variability of these sources, it has not been able to describe these atypical flaring events. On the other hand, an electron–positron pair plasma at the base of the AGN jet was proposed as the mechanism of bulk acceleration of relativistic outflows. This plasma in quasi-thermal equilibrium called Wein fireball emits radiation at MeV-peak energies serving as target of accelerated protons. In this work we describe the “orphan” TeV flares presented in blazars 1ES 1959+650 and Mrk 421 assuming geometrical considerations in the jet and evoking the interactions of Fermi-accelerated protons and MeV-peak target photons coming from the Wein fireball. After describing successfully these “orphan” TeV flares, we correlate the TeV γ -ray, neutrino and UHECR fluxes through pγ interactions and calculate the number of high-energy neutrinos and UHECRs expected in IceCube/AMANDA and TA experiment, respectively. In addition, thermal MeV neutrinos produced mainly through electron–positron annihilation at the Wein fireball will be able to propagate through it. By considering two- (solar, atmospheric and accelerator parameters) and three-neutrino mixing, we study the resonant oscillations and estimate the neutrino flavor ratios as well as the number of thermal neutrinos expected on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stages before the formation of stars in molecular clouds are poorly understood. Insights can be gained by studying the properties of quiescent clouds, such as their magnetic field structure. The plane-of-the-sky orientation of the field can be traced by polarized starlight. We present the first extended, wide-field (~10 deg²)map of the Polaris Flare cloud in dust-absorption induced optical polarization of background stars, using the Robotic Polarimeter (RoboPol) polarimeter at the Skinakas Observatory. This is the first application of the wide-field imaging capabilities of RoboPol. The data were taken in the R band and analysed with the automated reduction pipeline of the instrument. We present in detail optimizations in the reduction pipeline specific to wide-field observations. Our analysis resulted in reliable measurements of 641 stars with median fractional linear polarization 1.3 per cent. The projected magnetic field shows a largescale ordered pattern. At high longitudes it appears to align with faint striations seen in the Herschel-Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) map of dust emission (250 µm), while in the central 4-5 deg² it shows an eddy-like feature. The overall polarization pattern we obtain is in good agreement with large-scale measurements by Planck of the dust emission polarization in the same area of the sky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a comparative analysis of the dynamics of three populations of fluxes of protons with energy 30-80 keV as measured by NOAA solar-synchronous satellites ( POES 15, 16, 17) at low latitudes ( L < 2) and at latitudes lower and higher than the boundary of isotropic precipitation during the geomagnetic storms on January 21-22, 2005 and December 14-15, 2006. Based on a complex analysis of experimental data on particle fluxes at low orbits and on measurements of solar wind parameters performed by the ACE spacecraft, we have studied the dynamical peculiarities of the fluxes of particles and of their longitudinal distributions depending on the conditions in the interplanetary medium. It is shown that an increase of trapped particle fluxes and the development of the main phase of the geomagnetic storm on January 21-22, 2005 are associated with the magnetosphere's response to a prolonged action of an extremely powerful coronal mass ejection at a northern orientation of the IMF. On December 14, 2006 an insufficient amplitude and duration of the pressure impulse did not result in development of a disturbance similar to January 21-22, 2005. The development of the main phase of this storm is related to a southward turn of the IMF, which has occurred only seven hours after the SSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen oxides, produced as a result of ionizing proton impacts, have long lifetimes and substantially affect the ozone balance. Photochemical models give an increased production level of nitrogen oxides during solar proton flares. The usage of an increased NO production effectiveness value (molecule number per each ion pair) during increased ionization of the atmosphere in models can be among the causes. This value has been estimated based on satellite observational data. Data on the solar proton fluxes and the composition of the atmosphere have been used. The period of the proton event of July 14, 2000, has been considered. The NO production effectiveness, obtained when the observational data were analyzed, was much smaller than the value obtained previously theoretically. The causes of these differences should be studied additionally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of solar proton sources indicated that solar flare events responsible for ≥2000 pfu proton fluxes mostly occur in complex active regions (CARs), i.e., in transition structures between active regions and activity complexes. Different classes of similar structures and their relation to solar proton events (SPEs) and evolution, depending on the origination conditions, are considered. Arguments in favor of the fact that sunspot groups with extreme dimensions are CARs are presented. An analysis of the flare activity in a CAR resulted in the detection of “physical” boundaries, which separate magnetic structures of the same polarity and are responsible for the independent development of each structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carry out a novel statistical test of the Neupert effect based on multifractal spectra. The multifractal spectrum is the number distribution of the strengths (i.e., the Hölder exponents) of bursts in a signal. This is tested on simulations and carried out on RHESSI X-ray data from a well observed GOES X4.8 magnitude flare. The multifractal spectra is ideally suited to quantifying the relative smooth and bursty signals typically found in (thermal) soft X-ray and (non-thermal) hard X-ray data of solar flares. We show that light curves from all energies between 3 keV and 25 keV are statistically similar, suggesting that all these signals are dominated by the same (presumably thermal) emission. Emission lying between 25 keV and 100 keV probably contains some contribution from both thermal and non-thermal sources. The multifractal spectrum of a signal and that of its (cumulative) temporal integration are statistically similar (i.e., low residuals upon subtraction), but shifted by one in the peak Hölder exponent. We find the pairs of 3-6 keV and 100-300 keV emissions, the 6-12 keV and 100-300 keV emissions and the 12-25 keV and 100-300 keV emissions are all consistent with the Neupert effect. The best agreement with the Neupert effect is between the 12-25 keV and 100-300 keV pair, although possibly with some secondary source of thermal emission present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of studying the proton flare 2B/X4.8 on 23 July 2002, observed with the Large Solar Vacuum Telescope (LSVT) at the Baikal Astrophysical Observatory in spectropolarimetric mode with high spatial and spectral resolution. We have found some evidence for Hα line impact linear polarization, predominantly during the initial moments of the flare. For the Hα line 606 cuts were made along the dispersion in 53 spectrograms, and a polarization signal was found more or less confidently in 60 cuts (13 spectrograms). Polarization was mainly observed in one of the kernels of the flare. A particular feature of this kernel was that the Hα line was observed to show a reversal in the central part of this kernel, which created a dip in the kernel center in the photometric cut. The size of these dips and the size of the sites with the linear polarization coincide and are equal to 3 - 6 arcsec. The maximum polarization degree in this kernel reached 15 %. The direction of the polarization in the kernel is radial, except for the first two frames, where the direction of the polarization was both radial and tangential. Furthermore, we found an analogy between the effects observed at the chromospheric level in this kernel (polarization and depression in Hα line) and the temporal variation of the HXR sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Very high energy gamma-ray flares from the Crab nebula detected by the AGILE and Fermi satellites challenge our understanding of the pulsar wind nebulae. The short duration of the flares, only a few days, is particularly puzzling since it is much shorter than the dynamical time-scale of the nebula. In this work we investigate analytically and via numerical simulations the electromagnetic signatures expected from the large-amplitude low-frequency magnetosonic waves generated within the Crab nebula which induce the corrugation perturbations of the termination shock. As a result, the oblique termination shock produces a time-dependent, mildly relativistic post-shock flow. Using the relativistic magnetohydrodynamic version of the riemann code, we simulate the interaction of the termination shock with downstream perturbations. We demonstrate that mild Doppler boosting of the synchrotron emission in the post-shock flow can produce bright, short time-scale flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We show that the shear modes in the neutron star crust are quite sensitive to the existence of non-uniform nuclear structures, the so-called 'pasta'. Due to the existence of pasta phase, the frequencies of shear modes are reduced, where the dependence of fundamental frequency is different from that of overtones. Since the torsional shear frequencies depend strongly on the structure of pasta phase, through the observations of stellar oscillations, one can probe the pasta structure in the crust, although that is quite difficult via the other observations. Additionally, considering the effect of pasta phase, we show the possibility to explain all the observed frequencies in the SGR 1806−20 by using only crust torsional shear modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A star that passes too close to a massive black hole will be torn apart by tidal forces. The flare of photons emitted during the accretion of the stellar debris is predicted to be observable, and candidates of such events have been observed at optical to X-ray frequencies. If a fraction of the accreted material is fed into a jet, tidal flares should be detectable at radio frequencies too, thus comprising a new class of rare radio transients. Using the well-established scaling between accretion power and jet luminosity and basic synchrotron theory, we construct an empirically rooted model to predict the jet luminosity for a time-dependent accretion rate. We apply this model to stellar tidal disruptions and predict the snapshot rate of these events. For a small angle between the observer and the jet, our model reproduces the observed radio flux of the tidal flare candidate GRB 110328A. We find that future radio surveys will be able to test whether the majority of tidal disruptions are accompanied by a jet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by coronal mass ejection studies, we construct general relativistic models of a magnetar magnetosphere endowed with strong magnetic fields. The equilibrium states of the stationary, axisymmetric magnetic fields in the magnetar magnetosphere are obtained as solutions of the Grad-Shafranov equation in a Schwarzschild spacetime. To understand the magnetic energy buildup in the magnetar magnetosphere, a generalized magnetic virial theorem in the Schwarzschild metric is newly derived. We carefully address the question whether the magnetar magnetospheric magnetic field can build up sufficient magnetic energy to account for the work required to open up the magnetic field during magnetar giant flares. We point out the importance of the Aly-Sturrock constraint, which has been widely studied in solar corona mass ejections, as a reference state in understanding magnetar energy storage processes. We examine how the magnetic field can possess enough energy to overcome the Aly-Sturrock energy constraint and open up. In particular, general relativistic (GR) effects on the Aly-Sturrock energy constraint in the Schwarzschild spacetime are carefully investigated. It is found that, for magnetar outbursts, the Aly-Sturrock constraint is more stringent, i.e., the Aly-Sturrock energy threshold is enhanced due to the GR effects. In addition, neutron stars with greater mass have a higher Aly-Sturrock energy threshold and are more difficult to erupt. This indicates that magnetars are probably not neutron stars with extreme mass. For a typical neutron star with mass of 1-2 M⊙, we further explore the cross-field current effects, caused by the mass loading, on the possibility of stored magnetic field energy exceeding the Aly-Sturrock threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of anterior chamber (AC) laser flare (LF) in uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: Monocentre, retrospective study of 150 JIA children (girls n = 107, 71.3%) with unilateral or bilateral chronic anterior uveitis (statistical analysis of one eye per patient). LF values (KOWA FM-500), visual acuity, intraocular pressure, glaucoma treatment and uveitis complications were investigated longitudinally. Results: Patients were followed up for a mean of 8.7 months (range 1-36). High LF values correlated with poor visual acuity (p < 0.0001). Patients with low LF values (LF ≤ 20 photon units per millisecond) less often required glaucoma medication (p = 0.0005) or surgery (p = 0.01) and showed a lower prevalence of cataract, band keratopathy, posterior synechiae, epiretinal membrane, optic disc oedema and glaucoma/ocular hypertension (p < 0.05, each). Baseline LF > 20 photon units per millisecond was a better prognosticator for the development of subsequent complications than baseline AC cells (p = 0.04). Conclusions: High LF values in patients with JIA uveitis are associated with poor vision and a higher prevalence of uveitis complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have studied the solar proton events associated with the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares during the solar cycle 23 (1997–2006) in order to determine what physical parameters of the solar eruptions might control the SPE intensity and time profile. For total 63 SPEs, we found that (1) SPE rise time, duration time and decrease times depend on a CME speed (cc=0.34, 0.48 and 0.48) and (2) a SPE peak intensity depends on an earthward direction parameter of a CME as well as the CME speed and x-ray flare intensity (cc=0.40, 0.31 and 0.37). The SPEs were divided into two groups according to the correlation between the CME earthward direction parameter and the SPE intensity. First group consists of large six SPEs (>10,000pfu at >10MeV proton channel of GOES satellite) and shows a very good correlation (cc=0.65) between the SPE peak intensity and the CME earthward direction parameter. Second group has a relatively weak SPE peak intensity and shows no correlation (cc=0.01) between the SPE peak intensity and the CME earthward direction parameter we found that the first group SPEs are associated with a very fast halo CME (>1400km/s) and most of those are located at disk except for only one case. Especially, large six SPEs have a good correlation with their associated CME earthward direction parameters, implying that these events are produced by ICME-driven shocks. We also found that those six SPEs are associated with the preceding CMEs originated from the same solar source region and a nearby pre-existing helmet streamer. Thus, we speculate that the preceding CME and helmet streamer might provide seed particles for CME-driven shocks and cause a clear separation between two groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using satellite data obtained near the equatorial plane during 12 magnetic storms with amplitudes from −61 down to −422 nT, the dependences of maximum in L-profile of pressure ( Lm) of the ring current (RC) on the current value of D st are constructed, and their analytical approximations are derived. It is established that function Lm( D st) is steeper on the phase of recovery than during the storm’s main phase. The form of the outer edge of experimental radial profiles of RC pressure is studied, and it is demonstrated to correspond to exponential growth of the total energy of RC particles on a given L shell with decreasing L. It is shown that during the storms’ main phase the ratio of plasma and magnetic field pressures at the RC maximum does not practically depend on the storm strength and Lm value. This fact reflects resistance of the Earth’s magnetic field to RC expansion, and testifies that during storms the possibilities of injection to small L are limited for RC particles. During the storms’ recovery phase this ratio quickly increases with increasing Lm, which reflects an increased fraction of plasma in the total pressure balance. It is demonstrated that function Lm( D st) is derived for the main phase of storms from the equations of drift motion of RC ions in electrical and magnetic fields, reflecting the dipole character of magnetic field and scale invariance of the pattern of particle convection near the RC maximum. For the recovery phase it is obtained from the Dessler-Parker-Sckopke relationship. The obtained regularities allow one to judge about the radial profile of RC pressure from ground-based magnetic measurements (data on the D st variation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using satellite data obtained near the equatorial plane during 12 magnetic storms with amplitudes from −61 down to −422 nT, the dependences of maximum in L-profile of pressure ( Lm) of the ring current (RC) on the current value of D st are constructed, and their analytical approximations are derived. It is established that function Lm( D st) is steeper on the phase of recovery than during the storm’s main phase. The form of the outer edge of experimental radial profiles of RC pressure is studied, and it is demonstrated to correspond to exponential growth of the total energy of RC particles on a given L shell with decreasing L. It is shown that during the storms’ main phase the ratio of plasma and magnetic field pressures at the RC maximum does not practically depend on the storm strength and Lm value. This fact reflects resistance of the Earth’s magnetic field to RC expansion, and testifies that during storms the possibilities of injection to small L are limited for RC particles. During the storms’ recovery phase this ratio quickly increases with increasing Lm, which reflects an increased fraction of plasma in the total pressure balance. It is demonstrated that function Lm( D st) is derived for the main phase of storms from the equations of drift motion of RC ions in electrical and magnetic fields, reflecting the dipole character of magnetic field and scale invariance of the pattern of particle convection near the RC maximum. For the recovery phase it is obtained from the Dessler-Parker-Sckopke relationship. The obtained regularities allow one to judge about the radial profile of RC pressure from ground-based magnetic measurements (data on the D st variation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a compelling similarity of impulsive nitrate enhancements observed in polar ice from the northern and southern hemispheres. This analysis concentrates on the period 1940–1950, during which time the first four recorded solar cosmic ray ground-level enhancements (GLEs) occurred. GLEs are strong solar proton events. We show that large and sudden enhancements in the nitrate records from both hemispheres were observed within weeks following the recorded solar cosmic ray ground-level event. The observation of impulsive nitrate enhancements simultaneously in both hemispheres shortly after a large fluence solar proton event is strong evidence in support of a causal connection and argues strongly for rapid transport of atmospheric nitrates generated through the polar atmosphere by energetic solar proton events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The high-frequency-peaked BL Lac PKS 2155-304 is one of the brightest and best-studied VHE gamma-ray sources in the southern hemisphere. Since 2002, the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) has monitored this source and found it to be in an unusually high state in July 2006. On the nights of 28 and 30 July, two major outbursts occurred, with peak fluxes ~ 80 times the usual values and well-resolved structures varying on time scales of ~ 200 s. Here, we report on spectral variability studies of VHE data of the first flare and show first results of the H.E.S.S. observations during the second flare night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of the early afterglow emission of GRB 060418. Thanks to the simultaneous coverage at optical, X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths, we can detect and separate the external shock emission (visible in the optical and late X-ray data) and the central engine activity (early X and gamma rays). The two components are clearly distinguished based on temporal and spectral properties. The detection of the afterglow onset (in the optical) allows the determination of the fundamental fireball properties, namely its bulk Lorentz factor and total energy. The early time X-ray flare closely resembles the prompt emission gamma-ray pulses in its temporal profile, being wider at low energies and showing lags between the hard and soft bands. This provides a strong suggestion that X-ray flares are a continuation of the prompt emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impulsive phase of the 23 July 2002 2B/X4.8 proton flare with a classical two-ribbon structure was observed with the Irkutsk Large Solar Vacuum Telescope (LSVT) in spectropolarimetric mode, with high spatial, spectral, and time resolution. On the basis of 49 spectrograms and 1200 spectral cuts across the flare ribbons, evidence for H α line impact polarization has been obtained. A systematic change of the Stokes Q and U parameters has been detected across the ribbons for different flare regions measured with a scanning step of 0.85″. In the eastern side of the ribbons, the degree of polarization is 4 – 8%; its plane is oriented toward the solar disk center (radial direction). In the western side, the polarization degree runs up to 25%, and its plane is perpendicular to the disk center direction (tangential direction). A comparison of these results with hard X-ray data (RHESSI) allows us to conclude that high-energy electron beams reached the chromosphere during this flare. The observed changes of the direction of polarization and the vanishing polarization within the ribbons mean that, at the chromospheric level, the energy of electrons remaining in the beam is about 200 eV. A shift of the peak position of polarization relative to the intensity maximum in the ribbons may result from the inclination of the electron beam axis with respect to the solar surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar flares are observed at all wavelengths from decameter radio waves to gamma-rays at 100 MeV. This review focuses on recent observations in EUV, soft and hard X-rays, white light, and radio waves. Space missions such as RHESSI, Yohkoh, TRACE, and SOHO have enlarged widely the observational base. They have revealed a number of surprises: Coronal sources appear before the hard X-ray emission in chromospheric footpoints, major flare acceleration sites appear to be independent of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), electrons, and ions may be accelerated at different sites, there are at least 3 different magnetic topologies, and basic characteristics vary from small to large flares. Recent progress also includes improved insights into the flare energy partition, on the location(s) of energy release, tests of energy release scenarios and particle acceleration. The interplay of observations with theory is important to deduce the geometry and to disentangle the various processes involved. There is increasing evidence supporting reconnection of magnetic field lines as the basic cause. While this process has become generally accepted as the trigger, it is still controversial how it converts a considerable fraction of the energy into non-thermal particles. Flare-like processes may be responsible for large-scale restructuring of the magnetic field in the corona as well as for its heating. Large flares influence interplanetary space and substantially affect the Earth's lower ionosphere. While flare scenarios have slowly converged over the past decades, every new observation still reveals major unexpected results, demonstrating that solar flares, after 150 years since their discovery, remain a complex problem of astrophysics including major unsolved questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed statistics and analysis of 264 type III bursts observed with the 625–1500 MHz spectrograph during the 23rd solar cycle (from July 2000 to April 2003) are carried out in the present article. The main statistical results are similar to those of microwave type III bursts presented in the literature cited, such as the correlation between type III bursts and flares, polarization, duration, frequency drift rate (normal and reverse slopes), distribution of type III bursts and frequency bandwidth. At the same time, the statistical results also point out that the average values of the frequency drift rates and degrees of polarization increase with the increase in frequency and the average value of duration decreases with the increase in frequency. Other statistical results show that the starting frequencies of the type III bursts are mainly within the range from 650 to 800 MHz, and most type III bursts have an average bandwidth of 289 MHz. The distributions imply that the electron acceleration and the place of energy release are within a limited decimetric range. The characteristics of the narrow bandwidth possibly involve the magnetic configuration at decimetric wavelengths, the location of electron acceleration in the magnetic field nearto the main flare, the relevant runaway or trapped electrons, or the coherent radio emission produced by some secondary shock waves. In addition, the number of type III bursts with positive frequency drift rates is almost equal to that with negative frequency drift rates. This is probably explained by the hypothesis that an equal number of electron beams are accelerated upwards and downwards within the range of 625 to 1500 MHz. The radiation mechanism of type III bursts at decimetric wavelengths probably includes these microwave and metric mechanisms and the most likely cause of the coherent plasma radiation are the emission processes of the electron cyclotron maser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A database joining the available information about proton enhancements near the Earth and their possible solar sources is organized on the basis of proton measurements of the GOES and IMP-8 satellites, the data of neutron monitors, and GOES X-ray measurements. One thousand one hundred and forty-four proton events with energy > 10 MeV have been selected in the period from 1975 to 2003. More than a half of these events can be reliably related to X-ray solar flares. A statistical analysis shows the probability of observing solar protons near the Earth and their maximum flux value to be strongly dependent on the importance of a flare and its heliolongitude. Proton events are recorded after all suitably located (western) flares with X-ray importance > X5. The heliolongitude of a flare predetermines the character of the time profile of proton events in many respects. The relationship of proton events with the other characteristics of flares is established. The flares associated with proton enhancements are characterized by longer duration, slower rise to the X-ray maximum, smaller temperature, and larger length of the X-ray loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dispute on the role of substorms in geospace magnetic storm development has emerged during the last decade; the scientific community has not yet reached a definite conclusion. This paper attempts to clarify, to the extent possible with statistical methods, if there is any causal relationship between the energy dissipation during storms and during substorms. To assess this aspect of the storm-substorm relationship, we performed an investigation using the geomagnetic indexes SYM - H and AL for a large number of magnetic storms. We selected a group of 53 magnetic storms with S YM - H peak values in the range between -50 nT and -350 nT. We then calculated the integtals of the SYM - H and AL squares, to represent magnetic energy dissipation for storms and substorms respectively. These integrals exhibit a strong linear correlation, with a correlation index of r = 0.928. The result implies a strong coupling between storm and substorm energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Reuven Ramaty high energy spectroscopic solar imager (RHESSI) uses the rotational modulation principle [Space Sci. Rev. 8 (1968) 534], to observe temporally, spatially, and spectrally resolved hard X-ray and γ-ray images of solar flares. In order to track the flare evolution on time scales that are commensurate with modulation, the observed count rates must be demodulated at the expense of spatial information. The present paper describes improvements of an earlier demodulation algorithm, which decomposes the observed light curves into intrinsic source variability and instrumental modulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present high-time-resolution multicolour observations of the quiescent soft X-ray transient V404 Cyg obtained with ULTRACAM. Superimposed on the ellipsoidal modulation of the secondary star are large flares on time-scales of a few hours, as well as several distinct rapid flares on time-scales of tens of minutes. The rapid flares, most of which show further variability and unresolved peaks, cover shorter time-scales than those reported in previous observations. The power density spectrum of the 5-s time-resolution data shows a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) feature at 0.78 mHz (=21.5 min). Assuming this periodicity represents the Keplerian period at the transition between the thin and advective disc regions, we determine the transition radius. We discuss the possible origins for the QPO feature in the context of the advection-dominated accretion flow model. We determine the colour of the large flares and find that the i′-band flux per unit frequency interval is larger than that in the g′ band. The colour is consistent with optically thin gas with a temperature of ∼8000 K arising from a region with an equivalent blackbody radius of at least , which covers 3 per cent of the surface of the accretion disc. Our timing and spectral analysis results support the idea that the rapid flares (i.e. the QPO feature) most likely arise from regions near the transition radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study time evolution of an energy spectrum of a proton flux in the range of 47–4750 keV for the energetic particle event occurred on 255 DOY in 1999, which we consider as one of typical diffusive acceleration events associated with interplanetary shocks and irrespective of large X-ray solar flares. Fast enhancement during evolution is found in the range of less than about 0.5 MeV. Our previous numerical simulations using Stochastic Differential Equation method could not show this behavior, although we obtained results showing a power law energy spectrum, which suggesting that energetic particles are accelerated diffusively by shock waves, the first-order Fermi acceleration. We consider that less than 0.5 MeV protons need to exist to explain behavior of the observational energy spectrum and perform numerical simulations in order to investigate proper injection models for this event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present Hα CCD observations of three small-to-medium-size two-ribbon flares observed in the giant AR 9433 on 24 April 2001. Flare observations at other associated wavelengths (e.g., soft X-rays (SXR), hard X-rays (HXR), microwaves (MW)) obtained from archives are also presented and compared. We have tested the Neupert effect for the most energetic third flare. The flare observations are in agreement with the thick-target model. In the case of this flare the HXR emitting electrons appears to be the heating source of SXR and Hα emissions. The flares are also studied in EUV and UV emissions using TRACE data. We discuss the complexity of the magnetic field using SOHO/MDI magnetograms. The flares are observed to occur in both (f/p) polarity regions in highly sheared magnetic field with emerging flux regions and MMFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]