Recent Progress in Understanding Energy Transfer in Solar Flares Resulting from Coordinated IRIS, SDO, and Hinode Observations

Abstract:

Flares are the most energetic events that take place on the Sun, and studying them results in a wealth of information about the energy transfer between the solar corona and lower layers of the atmosphere. Prior to a flare, magnetic fields in the photosphere and chromosphere are stressed until a trigger causes energy release in the corona. Manifestations of this energy release are accelerated electrons high in the corona, increased intensity in post-flare arcades and chromospheric footpoint brightenings. Chromospheric evaporation at flare footpoints gives insight into the particular energy release mechanisms during solar flares. Progress in understanding the energy storage, release and deposition of energy during solar flares has come thanks to coordinated observations between IRIS, SDO and Hinode. In this talk, I will review recent results from these coordinated efforts, including observations of reconnection outflows, chromospheric evaporation, turbulence in flare loop tops, and flare triggering.