Three-dimensional structures of two solar active regions from VLA observations at 2, 6, and 20 centimeter wavelengths

Abstract

Three-dimensional structures of two active region groups are determined from observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) at 2, 6, and 20 cm. One of the groups exhibits a single magnetic loop of length approximately 10 to the 10th cm. The 2 cm radiation is mostly thermal bremsstrahlung and originates from the footprints of the loop. The 6 and 20 cm radiation is dominated by low-harmonic gyroresonance radiation and originates from the upper portion of the legs or the top of the loop. The loop broadens toward the apex. The top of the loop is not found to be the hottest point, but two temperature maxima on either side of the loop apex are observed, which is consistent with the model proposed for long loops. From 2 and 6 cm observations it can be concluded that the electron density and temperature cannot be uniform in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the loop; the density should decrease away from the axis of the loop.