Springer Physical Processes in Solar Flares: 172 (Astrophysics and Space Science Library, 172)

Solar flares are very complex electromagnetic phenomena of a cataclysmic nature. Particles are accelerated to very high velocities and a variety of physical processes happen inside and outside flares. These processes can be studied by a large number of techniques from Earth and from space. The aim is to discover the physics behind solar flares. This goal is complicated because information about the flare mechanism can be obtained only in an indirect way by studying the secondary effects. This book provides three stages in the solution of the solar flare problem. Chapter one describes the connection between observational data and theoretical concepts, where it is stressed that next to investigating flares, the related non-stationary large-scale phenomena must be studied as well. The second chapter deals with secondary physical processes, in particular the study of high-temperature plasma dynamics during impulsive heating. The last chapter presents a model built on the knowledge of the two previous chapters and it constructs a theory of non-neutral turbulent current sheets. The author believes that this model will help to solve the problem of solar flares. For solar physicists, plasma physicists, high-energy particle physicists. Review `But the book is most highly recommended to those who are unfamiliar with the truly substanial contribution of Somov to the solar flare problem. ' Solar Physics 144:203 (1993) `Libraries would be well advised to stock this book. ' The Observatory 112:1111 (1992) `The style of the book is otherwise clear and accessible. I would recommend this first section in particular to any graduate student about to embark on some aspect of the solar-flare problem...Libraries would be well advised to stock this book . ' The Observatory 112:1111 (1992)