A Critical Examination of the Fundamental Assumptions of Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection Models

Abstract

The fundamental assumptions of conventional solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) theory are re-examined. In particular, the common theoretical assumption that magnetic energy that drives flares and CMEs can be stored in situ in the corona with sufficient energy density is found wanting. In addition, the observational constraint that flares and CMEs produce non-thermal electrons with fluxes of order 10 34 -10 36 electrons s −1 , with energies of order 10-20 keV, must also be explained. This constraint when imposed on the "standard model" for flares and CMEs is found to miss the mark by many orders of magnitude. We suggest, in conclusion, there are really only two possible ways to explain the requirements of observations and theory: flares and CMEs are caused by mass-loaded prominences or driven directly by emerging magnetized flux.

A self‐consistent mechanism for electron cyclotron maser emission and its application to type III solar radio bursts

“…For instance, the analysis based on measurements of photospheric magnetic fields shows that the current of a typical current‐carrying loop in an active region is about 10 11 –10 12 A, ∼10 −5 of a typical beam current ∼10 17 A inferred from the observation of solar hard X‐ray bursts [ Moreton and Severny , ; Melrose , ; Khodachenko et al , ]. Moreover, the analysis of energy budget for energetic particles during flares also implies that flares are caused by a current‐carrying circuit system associated with mass‐loaded prominences or with emerging magnetized fluxes but not by only a local reconnection current sheet [ Spicer et al , ]. The formation of the return current and the electrodynamics of the beam‐return current system have been investigated by many authors [ Hammer and Rostoker , ; Spicer and Sudan , ; Brown and Bingham , ; van den Oord , ; Xu et al , ; Chen et al , ].…”

The Evolving Magnetic Scales of the Outer Solar Atmosphere and Their Potential Impact on Heliospheric Turbulence

“…3A. into a pre-existing one (e.g., Spicer et al 2013). In the following discussion we will look at processes which may combine to perpetually power the outer atmosphere on the smaller scales as result of this "cascade".…”