How are X-rays Produced in Solar Flares?
The X-rays are believed to be produced by the electrons accelerated in the solar corona during the flare. As the electrons travel at velocities about one third the speed of light in the corona, a small fraction of them (1 in 100,000) suffer close encounters with the ambient protons, as indicated below. In such an interaction, the electron is attracted towards the proton as a result of the opposite charges, and its path is bent. An X-ray photon is produced at the point of the electron’s closest approach to the proton. This is known as bremsstrahlung, from the German word meaning braking radiation. By detecting these X-ray photons with HESSI, scientists will be able to determine where and how many electrons are accelerated and to what energies. Production of X-rays in solar flares How are Gamma Rays Produced During Solar Flares? Just as electrons are accelerated during solar flares, free protons and the nuclei of heavier elements in the solar atmosphere are also accelerated. Some acceler
