Astronomy/solar flairs

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
Why do solar flairs happen and how?

Answer
Hello,

No one is sure as to 'why' solar flares occur.

As to how, we know that there are probably at least two scnearios: 1) the magnetic regions in the vicinity of large sunspots become magnetically stressed - accumulate a lot of energy - and this is then suddenly released when a triggering occurs, possibly by interaction with rapidly emerging flux, or a flare wave (disturbance) from another region.

It is also possible that flares can occur when a solar loop or arch becomes unstable owing to an instability arising therein. For example, if certain "double layers" form they may allow for rapid discharge of stored electro-static energy on a scale compatible with flares.

You can find more details about this in the astrophysics experts forum and the answers therein.

Hope this helps.

Astronomy

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Philip Stahl

Expertise

I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.

Experience

Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.

Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union

Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.

Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics

Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research

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