Observations of simultaneous retracting and expanding loops above a flaring arcade

J. I. Khan, L. Fletcher, N. V. Nitta

We present imaging observations from the Yohkoh Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) which show the retraction of a coronal loop above a flaring arcade. The shrinking loop was observed face-on in emission during the decay phase of a solar flare. At the same time we also observe a faint outward moving loop-like feature above the flaring arcade and retracting loop. We interpret the shrinking loop and simultaneous outward moving loop as direct evidence for reconnected magnetic field lines during a flare.

Correspondence

Josef Khan, University of Glasgow

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