An X-ray View on Electron Acceleration and Transport in Solar Flares

Abstract:

X-rays are one of the most direct diagnostics of solar flare accelerated electrons. X-ray spectra provide information on the flux spectrum and total energy content of accelerated electrons. X-ray images reveal information on the location of electron acceleration and where electrons deposit their energy in the chromosphere. In the last two decades we have made a lot of progress in understanding electron acceleration in solar flares using X-ray data, primarily from the RHESSI satellite, but also using data from non-solar dedicated instruments like NuSTAR. With the STIX instrument on Solar Orbiter, a new, solar-dedicated hard X-ray imaging spectrometer is observing the Sun again. STIX has observed flares already and will continue to do so during the duration of the Solar Orbiter mission. I will review some highlights of what we have learnt about electron acceleration and electron transport during flares from past missions like RHESSI. I will show preliminary results from STIX observations and take a look into the future by describing the new insights we are expecting from STIX.