Mapping the magnetic field of flare coronal loops

Abstract

<p><em>[eng] Here, we report on the unique observation of flaring coronal loops at the solar limb using high-resolution imaging</em></p><p><em>spectropolarimetry from the Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope. The vantage position, orientation, and nature of the</em></p><p><em>chromospheric material that filled the flare loops allowed us to determine their magnetic field with unprecedented</em></p><p><em>accuracy using the weak-field approximation method. Our analysis reveals coronal magnetic field strengths as high</em></p><p><em>as 350 G at heights up to 25Mm above the solar limb. These measurements are substantially higher than a number</em></p><p><em>of previous estimates and may have considerable implications for our current understanding of the extended solar</em></p><p><em>atmosphere.</em></p>