Multi-wavelength analysis of an X2.7 flare on 3 November 2003 from active region NOAA 10488

Abstract

The evolution of an X2.7 solar flare, that occurred in a complex βγδ-type active region on 2003 November 3, is discussed utilizing multi-wavelength data set. The Hα images taken from solar tower telescope at ARIES, Nainital, India, reveal well-defined footpoint (FP) and looptop (LT) sources. As the flare evolves, LT source moves upward and the separation between the two FP sources increases which is consistent with the reconnection models of solar flares. The coalignment of Hα with hard X-ray (HXR) images obtained from RHESSI shows spatial correlation between Hα and HXR footpoints, while the upward moving HXR LT source is always located above Hα LT source. The EUV images of flaring region at 195 Å taken from SOHO/EIT reveal intense emission from low-lying loops near the active region during the impulsive phase. On the other hand, two bright loops are seen well outside the active region which undergo large scale reorganization during the flare. In radio wavelengths, type III radio bursts are observed few minutes prior to start of HXR LT emission indicating the pre-flare coronal activity. A type II radio burst followed the main phase of the event. The observations support the “break-out” model of solar eruptions proposed by S.Antiochos and coworkers.