arXiv subjects

Divya Paliwal

Publications and source records attributed to Divya Paliwal.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A high-frequency type II radio burst associated with an X2.3 class flare

Radio observations provide a powerful diagnostic of the solar corona, enabling investigations of dynamic phenomena associated with solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and shock waves. We present a multiwavelength analysis of a rare high-frequency type II radio burst (starting frequency of $\sim$750 MHz and frequency drift rate of $\sim$0.5 MHz s$^{-1}$) associated with the X2.3-class solar flare that occurred on 6 November 2024. A propagating EUV disturbance was observed shortly after the flare onset in the SDO/AIA field of view, while radio spectrographs recorded the type II burst between 13:46 and 13:56 UT over a frequency range of $\sim$750 to 45 MHz. Radio imaging observations from the Nan\c{c}ay Radioheliograph (NRH) show that the radio sources propagate southward during the event. X-ray spectroscopy from HEL1OS onboard Aditya-L1 and imaging observations from STIX onboard Solar Orbiter reveal signatures of efficient non-thermal electron acceleration associated with the flare. An NLFFF extrapolation identifies a pre-eruptive magnetic flux rope in the source region, while white-light coronagraph observations obtained during the event show no detectable large-scale CME. The speed of the erupting flux rope, derived from stereoscopic EUV observations, is consistent, within measurement uncertainties, with the shock speed inferred from the radio dynamic spectrum. Together, these observations suggest that compact flux rope eruptions, even in the absence of a detectable white-light CME, can generate low-coronal shocks capable of producing high-frequency type II radio emission.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Multi-lane type II radio bursts: Insights into shock propagation in the corona

Type II solar radio bursts are considered as the signatures of the coronal shocks. These bursts are generated from plasma waves excited by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shocks, and then converted into radio waves at the local plasma frequency and/or its harmonics. Hence, these bursts often have fundamental-harmonic (FH) and band-splitting (SB) structures, which provide insights into shock generation and propagation in the corona, hence, in turn, the corresponding coronal conditions. In the present study, we analysed an unusual multi-lane type II burst observed with ground-based solar radio spectrographs on May 29, 2024, between 14:24 and 14:43 UT. The start and end frequencies of the type II burst were 450 MHz and 25 MHz, respectively. By combining spectral information with radio imaging data, we found that radio waves were escaping from the corona via emissions from distinct shock regions. In addition, along with the traditional FH and SB, there were multi-lane structures in the type II bursts. Our analysis suggests complex, inhomogeneous shock dynamics near the leading edge (LE) of the coronal mass ejection (CME). This indicates that the plasma material compresses more strongly in these forefront regions. This was confirmed by radio imaging observations, which showed that the higher-frequency emission occurred at a higher altitude than the lower-frequency emission. Our results suggest that the shock geometry and plasma inhomogeneity play an important role in the generation of type II bursts, leading to traditional fundamental-harmonic split-band (FH-SB) pairs with additional splitting in the type II bands.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Coronal Magnetography using Spectropolarimetry with SKA Telescopes

The solar coronal magnetic field drives nearly every aspect of solar phenomena and activity -- from flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar wind that governs space weather to the much weaker nanoflares. These magnetic fields are routinely measured at the visible surface of the Sun, the photosphere. However, detailed and direct measurements of the magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere, particularly in the coronal layer, have remained rather limited. Mostly, these are estimated from vector magnetic field measurements at photospheric heights through different extrapolation models. In the case of the corona, these extrapolations lack observational constraints from the corona, especially during periods of intense activity when magnetic structures evolve rapidly. Measurements of coronal magnetic fields from observations, therefore, remain one of the most crucial and unresolved challenges in solar and space-weather research. Radio observations of the Sun hold considerable potential in this regard. Observations of diverse emission mechanisms, ranging from plasma emissions at lower frequencies to thermal Bremsstrahlung and gyro-resonance at higher frequencies, provide multiple avenues to probe the coronal magnetic fields, unique at radio wavelengths. SKAO, with its broad frequency coverage (0.05 to 15 GHz), will allow us to probe wide range of coronal layers through unprecedented high-fidelity polarimetric imaging at high temporal, spectral, and spatial resolutions. This chapter details how the coronal magnetic field measurements can be achieved through spectro-polarimetric imaging of the Sun with the SKAO.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Microwave Polar Brightening and Its Connection to Polar Coronal Holes

Polar brightening (PB) observed at microwave frequencies serves as an important probe to study the thermal and magnetic properties in the Sun's polar regions. Building on earlier studies that linked microwave PB to polar faculae, small-scale loops, and the polar coronal holes (PCHs), we present a comprehensive analysis of the long-term behaviour of 17 GHz microwave PB and its relation to polar magnetic field and coronal hole evolution. Using daily Nobeyama Radioheliograph observations spanning 1992 to 2018, we quantify microwave PB peak temperature variations and compare them with the temporal evolution of PCH area extracted from SDO/AIA-based SPoCA coronal hole catalogues during the period 2010-2018. We also examine the correspondence between microwave PB and the polar magnetic field to assess the nature of their association. Our results show a strong correlation between microwave PB peak temperature and PCH area, as well as with the polar magnetic-field strength. In addition, we found that regions of enhanced microwave emission are frequently associated with small-scale loop structures, consistent with Coronal Bright Points (CBPs), which are often associated with the eruption of jets. Overall, this study aims to investigate the impact of coronal holes, polar magnetic fields, and small-scale polar activity on polar brightening observed at 17 GHz and its long-term evolution.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Radio Signature of Higher Atmospheric Meridional Flow and Implications for Magnetic Trees in the Sun

The coupling between plasma flows and magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere governs the transport of angular momentum and the redistribution of magnetic flux, yet its manifestation in the magnetically dominated upper chromosphere remains uncertain. Using 27 years of 17 GHz full-disk solar radio imaging observations from the Nobeyama Radioheliograph, we report the first detection of a poleward flow signature at heights of $3000\pm500$ km, an altitude where plasma magnetohydrodynamics expects magnetic dominance ($\beta<1$). The derived latitudinal velocity profile ($5-15$ m/s) mirrors the established photospheric meridional circulation, displaying modulation with solar cycle parameters. Comparison with long-term synoptic magnetograms reveals that the motion of 17 GHz brightness features closely tracks poleward magnetic flux transport, implying a deep magnetic anchoring of these structures. This finding provides the first observational evidence that chromospheric flows at radio wavelengths reflect subsurface meridional dynamics, consistent with the "magnetic tree" hypothesis, which links high-altitude motion to deep-seated magnetic connectivity.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Solar energetic particles and their association with radio emissions

Energetic particle populations are ubiquitous throughout the Universe. In our solar system, the most prominent sources of energetic particles are solar flares or collisionless shocks often driven by huge eruptions of magnetised plasma called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Remotely, low energy electrons from the Sun can be observed as solar radio bursts that are produced by accelerated electron beams undergoing beam-plasma interactions. There are still many open questions on the generation of solar energetic particles (SEP): how and where are SEPs accelerated during solar flares and CMEs and how they escape the solar atmosphere? Another important question is: what is the link between the solar radio bursts and the observed SEPs at spacecraft? SKA can provide high-resolution radio images combined with spectroscopic observations to determine the acceleration time, trajectory and escape of low energy electrons from the solar corona. The synergy between SKA and current space missions will help investigate solar activity and energetic particles across a wide range of wavelengths and particle energies. Particle data from spacecraft can be used to make a connection between radio bursts and SEPs by comparing SEP inferred injection times and energies to those of electrons generating radio bursts at the Sun. Radio observations in turn can be used to distinguish between flare and shock acceleration since different radio bursts pinpoint towards different energetic processes. Since the acceleration region and origin of SEPs of various properties is still largely debated, radio observations have the potential to be an invaluable tool in unraveling these processes.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

Solar Radio Bursts in the metric to kilometric range

Solar radio bursts (SRBs) are intense emissions observed in radio wavelengths most frequently during solar transients, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares. SRBs are direct signatures of accelerated electrons in the solar atmosphere. These solar transients have a direct impact on the near-Earth atmosphere. SRBs serve as key diagnostic tools for plasma processes, particle accelerations, magnetic field dynamics in the solar corona and the heliosphere, which are the root cause of these solar transients. There are several key science question which solar radio observations can answer, such as: When $\&$ where is the bulk of the energy released in flares?, what are the physical properties of the energy release site?, what are the properties of heated plasma $\&$ accelerated particles?, how does the transport of heated plasma $\&$ accelerated particles?, what bearing do flares have on the question of coronal heating? The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), with its unprecedented sensitivity, temporal, spectral, and spatial resolution, as well as dynamic range, is expected to provide an enhanced understanding of the physics behind solar transients with unprecedented detail.

astro-ph.SR↗