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On the Instrumental Discrepancies in Lyman-Alpha Observations of Solar Flares
Harry J Greatorex1, Ryan O Milligan1, Ingolf E Dammasch2
1Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN UK.
Solar Physics
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Instrument choice significantly impacts solar flare Lyman-alpha emission analysis. Differences in flux, contrast, and energy calculations up to fivefold highlight the need for careful instrument selection in solar flare research.
Area of Science:
- Solar physics
- Plasma astrophysics
- Space weather
Background:
- Lyman-alpha (Ly) emission is energetically significant in solar flares.
- Routine Ly observations in solar flares are now possible due to instrumental advancements.
- Understanding instrument influence on Ly measurements is crucial for accurate analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different instruments affect the analysis of Ly emission during solar flares.
- To compare Ly measurements (flux, contrast, energy, timing) across multiple instruments for M-class flares.
- To guide future multi-instrument studies and instrument selection for solar flare Ly observations.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed three M-class solar flares observed by multiple instruments, including GOES-14/EUVS-E, GOES-15/EUVS-E, GOES-16/EXIS-EUVS-B, PROBA2/LYRA, MAVEN/EUVM, ASO-S/LST-SDI, and SDO/EVE-MEGS-P.
- Compared relative flux, excess flux, contrast, total energy, and emission timings of Ly between different instruments.
- Quantified discrepancies in measurements across instruments.
Main Results:
- Discrepancies in relative flux measurements were minimal between instruments.
- Calculated contrasts, excess fluxes, and energetics showed significant differences, up to a factor of five.
- Instrumental selection can notably impact the interpretation of Ly emission characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Instrumental differences can lead to substantial variations in derived flare energetics and Ly contributions to chromospheric energy budgets.
- Careful consideration of instrument capabilities and limitations is essential for multi-instrument solar flare studies.
- Findings provide guidance for interpreting future Ly observations and inform instrument design.
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