High Energy Solar Physics at the Y2K Maximum
Gordon Emslie
Abstract
The Y2K maximum in solar activity will be observed with an impressive array
of instrumentation, particularly at high energies (hard X-ray, gamma-ray).
In addition to the CGRO, Yohkoh, and SoHO satellites currently aloft, the
High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) satellite is planned for a
July 2000 launch. This instrument will provide hard X-ray spectra with 2 keV
energy resolution, 2 arc second ( ~ 1500 km) spatial resolution, and
temporal resolution of 2 s for a full image, and down to ~ 0.1 s for
selected Fourier spatial components. These scales are, for the first time,
commensurate with the physical particle acceleration and transport processes
believed to be operating, and consequently the data will provide us with a unique insight
into these processes. HESSI will also perform true gamma-ray spectroscopy
on nuclear gamma-ray lines - its high energy resolution will enable the
shape of these lines to be discerned, so providing fundamental information
on the characteristics of the exciting high-energy particles.
In this overview, I will discuss the interpretation of HESSI observations
in conjunction with data from other sources, and CGRO in particular.
File translated from TEX by TTH, version 2.32.
On 23 Jul 1999, 15:31.