Abstract
We present high spatial resolution observations of proper motions in the solar NOAA Active Region 10486 using a high-order adaptive optics system, frame selection, and speckle-masking image reconstruction. The data were obtained with the Dunn Solar Telescope of the National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak on 2003 October 29. The resolution of the images approaches the diffraction-limited resolution of the Dunn Solar Telescope of about 0″14 at 527 nm. We analyzed a 2 hr time series with a 1 minute cadence prior to an X10 white-light flare. Local correlation tracking was used to measure the photospheric proper motions. We find specific evidence of strong shear flows along the magnetic neutral line; these shear flows are well defined and correlated with white-light flare kernels in the visible and infrared. The speed along the flow channels can reach up to 1.6 km s-1, and the separation of channels with head-on flows can be less than 1". Counterstreaming and complex flow patterns have been distinguishing characteristics of this extraordinarily flare-productive active region.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | L151-L154 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 617 |
Issue number | 2 II |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 20 2004 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
Keywords
- Sun: activity
- Sun: atmospheric motions
- Sun: flares
- Sun: photosphere
- Sunspots
- Techniques: high angular resolution