Spectral Irradiance Variability in Lyman-Alpha Emission During Solar Flares

Abstract

The Lyman-alpha (Lyα;1216 à ) line is the brightest emission line in the quiescent solar spectrum and radiates a significant fraction of the available nonthermal energy during flares. Despite its importance, there is a lack of detailed studies of Lyα spectral variability during flares. Recently, spectrally resolved Lyα flare observations from the SORCE/SOLSTICE instrument have become available. This study examines Lyα spectral variability and its relationship with HXR emission from nonthermal electrons, using observations of two M-class flares from SORCE/SOLSTICE and RHESSI. Imaging observations from STEREO/SECCHI EUVI and SDO/AIA provide further context. Enhancements across the Lyα line profile were found to closely correlate with bursts of HXR emission, suggesting a primarily nonthermal origin. Red enhancement asymmetries at the peak of each flare were attributed to chromospheric evaporation, while blue wing enhancement and blue asymmetry were linked to a bright filament-eruption seen in SDO/AIA 1600 à images. These findings contribute to the understanding of spectral Lyα variability during flares and highlight the need for future studies using a higher quality and quantity of spectral Lyα flare observations. Such studies will further characterise the physical mechanisms driving Lyα flare variability.

16 pages, 6 figures, 3 tables, accepted for publication in Solar Physics