arXiv subjects

H. O. Rucker

Publications and source records attributed to H. O. Rucker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Spatial properties of the complex decameter type II burst observed on 31 May 2013

We present the results of observations of complex powerful type II burst associated with narrow Earth-directed CME, which was ejected at around 11 UT on 31 May 2013. The observations were performed by radio telescope UTR-2, which operated as local interferometer, providing the possibility of detection of the spatial parameters of the radio emission source. There are also polarization data from URAN-2 radio telescope. The CME was detected by two space-born coronagraphs SOHO/LASCO/C2 and STEREO/COR1-BEHIND, and was absolutely invisible for STEREO-AHEAD spacecraft. The associated type II burst consisted of two successive parts of quite different appearance on the dynamic spectrum. The first burst was narrow in frequency, had cloudy structure and was completely unpolarized while the second one represented rich herring-bone structure and exposed high degree of circular polarization. Both parts of the whole event reveal band splitting and well distinguished harmonic structure. The positions and sizes of the sources of the type II burst were found using cross-correlation functions of interferometer bases. The sources of the type II bursts elements were found to be of about 15 arcmin in size in average, with the smallest ones reaching as low as 10 arcmin. Corresponding brightness temperatures were estimated. In most cases these temperatures were between $10^{11}$ and $10^{12}$ K with maximum value as high as $10^{14}$ K. The spatial displacement of the source was measured and model independent velocities of the type II burst sources were determined.

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arXiv2020

Radio signature of a distant behind-the-limb CME on 2017 September 6

We discuss properties of a Type IV burst, which was observed on 2017 September 6, as a result of the powerful flare X 9.3. At decameter wavelengths this burst was observed by the radio telescopes STEREO A, URAN-2, and NDA at frequencies 5 - 35 MHz. This moving Type IV burst was associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME) propagating in the southwest direction with a speed of 1570 km/s. The maximum radio flux of this burst was about 300 s.f.u. and the polarization was more than 40%. In the frequency range of 8-33 MHz it continued for more than 2 hr. For STEREO A the associated CME was behind the limb, its longitudinal angle was about 160 degrees. This moving Type IV burst was observed by STEREO A at frequencies of 5-15 MHz in spite of the low sensitivity of STEREO A. This means that the radio emission directivity of a Type IV burst is rather wide. Assuming the plasma mechanism of Type IV radio emission we derived the plasma density distribution in the CME core at distances of 5.6 Rs and 9.8 Rs and its mass to be about 10^16 g . It is planned that the minimum perihelion of the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft will be at about 9 Rs. So we discuss in what conditions PSP will be in if it crosses a similar CME core.

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arXiv2018

Solar bursts as can be observed from the lunar farside with a single antenna at very low frequencies

Earth-based observations are complicated by the opacity of Earth's ionosphere at very low frequencies and strong man-made radio frequency interference. This explains long standing interest in building a low frequency radio telescope on the farside of the Moon. Experience from ground-based observations near the ionospheric cutoff in dealing with the interference, ionosphere, and wide-field imaging/dynamic range problems provides crucial information for future radioastronomic experiments on the Moon. In this purpose we observed non-intensive solar bursts on the example of solar drift pairs (DP) at decameter-meter wavelengths with large and small arrays as well as by a single crossed active dipole. We used the large Ukrainian radio telescope UTR-2, the URAN-2 array, a subarray of the Giant Ukrainian radio telescope (GURT) and a single crossed active dipole to get the spectral properties of radio bursts at the frequency range of 8-80 MHz during solar observations on July 12, 2017. Statistical analysis of upper and lower frequencies, at which DPs are recorded, shows that the occurrence of forward DPs is more preferable at lower frequencies of the decameter range of observations in comparison with reverse DPs generated more likely at meter wavelengths. We conclude that DPs can be detected not only by antenna arrays, but even by a single crossed active dipole. Thus the latter antenna has a good potential for future low-frequency radio telescopes on the Moon.

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arXiv2018

Revisiting the frequency drift rates of decameter type III solar bursts observed in July-August 2002

Estimating for the frequency drift rates of type III solar bursts is crucial for characterizing their source development in solar corona. According to Melnik et al. (Solar Phys. 269, 335, 2011), the analysis of powerful decameter type III solar bursts, observed in July-August 2002, found a linear approximation for the drift rate versus frequency. The conclusion contradicts to reliable results of many other well-known solar observations. In this paper we report on the reanalysis of the solar data, using a more advanced method. Our study has shown that decameter type III solar bursts of July-August 2002, as standard type III ones, follow a power law in frequency drift rates. We explain possible reasons for this discrepancy.

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arXiv2018

Supermassive Hot Jupiters Provide More Favourable Conditions for the Generation of Radio Emission via the Cyclotron Maser Instability - A Case Study Based on Tau Bootis b

We investigate under which conditions supermassive hot Jupiters can sustain source regions for radio emission, and whether this emission could propagate to an observer outside the system. We study Tau Bootis b-like planets (a supermassive hot Jupiter with 5.84 Jupiter masses and 1.06 Jupiter radii), but located at different orbital distances (between its actual orbit of 0.046 AU and 0.2 AU). Due to the strong gravity of such planets and efficient radiative cooling, the upper atmosphere is (almost) hydrostatic and the exobase remains very close to the planet, which makes it a good candidate for radio observations. We expect similar conditions as for Jupiter, i.e. a region between the exobase and the magnetopause that is filled with a depleted plasma density compared with cases where the whole magnetosphere cavity is filled with hydrodynamically outward flowing ionospheric plasma. Thus, unlike classical hot Jupiters like the previously studied planets HD 209458b and HD 189733b, supermassive hot Jupiters should be in general better targets for radio observations.

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arXiv2018

Interferometric Observations of the Quiet Sun at 20 and 25 MHz in May 2014

Results of solar observations at 20 and 25 MHz by the UTR-2 (\textit{Ukrainian T-shaped Radio telescope of the second modification}) radio telescope in the interferometric session from 27 May to 2 June 2014 are presented. In such a case the different baselines 225, 450, and 675 m between sections of East--West and North--South arms of the radio telescope UTR-2 were used. On 29 May 2014, strong sporadic radio emission consisting of Type III, a Type II and a Type IV bursts was observed. On other days there was no solar radio activity in the decameter range. We discuss the results of observations of such the quiet Sun. Fluxes and sizes of the Sun in East--West and North--South directions were measured. The average fluxes were 1050--1100 Jy and 1480--1570 Jy at 20 and 25 MHz, respectively. Angular sizes of the quiet Sun in equatorial and polar directions were 55' and 49' at 20 MHz and 50' and 42' at 25 MHz. Brightness temperatures of radio emission were Tb = 5.1 10^5 K and Tb = 5.7 10^5 K at 20 and 25 MHz, respectively.

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arXiv2018

Decameter Type IV Burst Associated with a behind-the-limb CME Observed on 7 November 2013

We report on the results of observations of a type IV burst by URAN-2 (Ukrainian Radio interferometer of Academy Scienses) in the frequency range 22 - 33 MHz, which is associated with the CME (coronal mass ejection) initiated by a behind-the-limb active region (N05E151). This burst was observed also by the radio telescope NDA (Nancay Decameter Array) in the frequency band 30 - 60 MHz. The purpose of the article is the determination of the source of this type IV burst. After analysis of the observational data obtained with the URAN-2, NDA, STEREO (Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A and B spacecraft, and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory)spacecraft we come to the conclusion that it is a core of a behind-the-limb CME. We conclude that the radio emission can escape the center of the CME core at a frequency of 60 MHz and originates from the periphery of the core at frequency 30 MHz due to occultation by the solar corona at corresponding frequencies. We find plasma densities in these regions supposing the plasma mechanism of radio emission. We show that the frequency drift of the start of the type IV burst is governed by an expansion of the CME core. Type III bursts, which were observed against this type IV burst, are shown to be generated by fast electrons propagating through the CME core plasma. A type II burst registered at frequencies 44 - 64 MHz and 3 - 16 MHz was radiated by a shock with a velocity of about 1000 km s^{-1} and 800 km s^{-1}, respectively.

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arXiv2018

Decameter Type III Bursts with Changing Frequency Drift-Rate Signs

We discuss properties of type III bursts which change sign of their drift rate from negative to positive and vice versa. Moreover such bursts may change sign of their drift rates more than once. These specific type III bursts were observed simultaneously by radio telescopes UTR-2, URAN-2 and NDA in frequency band 8-41 MHz. The negative drift rates of these bursts are close to those of usual decameter type III bursts and variate from -0.84 MHz/s to -5.56 MHz/s. The positive drift rates of specific type III bursts vary in the wider range from 0.44MHz/s to 12 MHz/s. Unlike inverted U-bursts these type III bursts still drift from the high frequencies to the low frequencies in spite of the change of the drift rates signs. Our basic explanation of the positive drift rate of these type III burst differs from the common assumption that positive drift rates of Type III bursts are connected with electron beam propagation towards the Sun. We propose that, even if electron beams move outward from the Sun, they can generate type III bursts with positive drift rates if in some regions of the solar corona the group velocities of type III radio emissions are lower than the velocities of the electron beams.

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arXiv2018

Decameter Type III-Like Bursts

We report the first observations of Type III-like bursts at frequencies 10 30 MHz. More than 1000 such bursts during 2002 2004 have been analyzed. The frequency drift of these bursts is several times that of decameter Type III bursts. A typical duration of the Type III-like bursts is 1 2 s. These bursts are mainly observed when the source active region is located within a few days from the central meridian. The drift rate of the Type III-like bursts can take a large value by considering the velocity of Type III electrons and the group velocity of generated electromagnetic waves.

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arXiv2018

Solar Type IV bursts at frequencies 10-30 MHz

The results of the first observations of Type IV bursts at frequencies 10-30 MHz are presented. These observations were carried out at radio telescopes UTR-2 (Kharkov, Ukraine) and URAN-2 (Poltava, Ukraine) during the period 2003-2006. Detection of Type IV bursts in wide band from 10 to 30MHz with high sensitivity and time resolution allowed to study their properties in details. These bursts have fluxes 10-2000s.f.u. at maximum phase. Their durations are about 1-2 hours and even more. Some of Type IV bursts drift from high to low frequencies with drift rates about 10kHz/s. All observed Type IV bursts have fine structures in the form of sub-bursts with durations from 2s to 20s and frequency drift rates in a majority of 1-2MHz/s. In most cases, sub-bursts with negative drift rates were registered. Sometimes sub-bursts in absorption with durations 10-200s against Type IV burst background have been observed. The Type IV burst observed on July 22, 2004 had zebra structure, in which single zebra stripes had positive, negative and infinite drift rates.

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arXiv2018

Properties of Decameter IIIb-III Pairs

A large number of Type IIIb-III pairs, in which the first component is a Type IIIb burst and the second one is a Type III burst, are often recorded during decameter Type III burst storms. From the beginning of their observation, the question of whether the components of these pairs are the first and the second harmonics of radio emission or not has remained open. We discuss properties of decameter IIIb-III pairs in detail to answer this question. The components of these pairs, Type IIIb bursts and Type III bursts, have essentially different durations and polarizations. At the same time their frequency drift rates are rather close, provided that the drift rates of Type IIIb bursts are a little larger those of Type III bursts at the same frequency. Frequency ratios of the bursts at the same moment are close to two. This points at a harmonic connection of the components in IIIb-III pairs. At the same time there was a serious difficulty, namely why the first harmonic had fine frequency structure in the form of striae and the second harmonic did not have it. Recently Loi, Cairns, and Li ( Astrophys. J. 790, 67, 2014) succeeded in solving this problem. The physical aspects of observational properties of decameter IIIb-III pairs are discussed and pros and cons of harmonic character of Type IIIb bursts and Type III bursts in IIIb-III pairs are presented. We conclude that practically all properties of the IIIb-III pair components can be understood in the framework of the harmonic relation of the components of the IIIb-III pairs.

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arXiv2017

The Association of a J-burst with a Solar Jet

Context. The Sun is an active star that produces large-scale energetic events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections and numerous smaller-scale events such as solar jets. These events are often associated with accelerated particles that can cause emission at radio wavelengths. The reconfiguration of the solar magnetic field in the corona is believed to be the cause of the majority of solar energetic events and accelerated particles. Aims. Here, we investigate a bright J-burst that was associated with a solar jet and the possible emission mechanism causing these two phenomena. Methods. We used data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to observe a solar jet, and radio data from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and the Nançay Radioheliograph (NRH) to observe a J-burst over a broad frequency range (33-173 MHz) on 9 July 2013 at ~11:06 UT. Results. The J-burst showed fundamental and harmonic components and it was associated with a solar jet observed at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths with SDO. The solar jet occurred at a time and location coincident with the radio burst, in the northern hemisphere, and not inside a group of complex active regions in the southern hemisphere. The jet occurred in the negative polarity region of an area of bipolar plage. Newly emerged positive flux in this region appeared to be the trigger of the jet. Conclusions. Magnetic reconnection between the overlying coronal field lines and the newly emerged positive field lines is most likely the cause of the solar jet. Radio imaging provides a clear association between the jet and the J-burst which shows the path of the accelerated electrons.

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arXiv2017

Digital receivers for low-frequency radio telescopes UTR-2, URAN, GURT

This paper describes digital radio astronomical receivers used for decameter and meter wavelength observations. This paper describes digital radio astronomical receivers used for decameter and meter wavelength observations. Since 1998, digital receivers performing on-the-fly dynamic spectrum calculations or waveform data recording without data loss have been used at the UTR-2 radio telescope, the URAN VLBI system, and the GURT new generation radio telescope. Here we detail these receivers developed for operation in the strong interference environment that prevails in the decameter wavelength range. Data collected with these receivers allowed us to discover numerous radio astronomical objects and phenomena at low frequencies, a summary of which is also presented.

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arXiv2015

Unusual Solar Radio Burst Observed at Decameter Wavelengths

An unusual solar burst was observed simultaneously by two decameter radio telescopes UTR-2 (Kharkov, Ukraine) and URAN-2 (Poltava, Ukraine) on 3 June 2011 in the frequency range 16-28 MHz. The observed radio burst has some unusual properties, which are not typical for the other types of solar radio bursts. The frequency drift rate of it was positive (about 500 kHz s$^{-1}$) at frequencies higher than 22 MHz and negative (100 kHz s$^{-1}$) at lower frequencies. The full duration of this event varies from 50 s up to 80 s, depending on the frequency. The maximum radio flux of the unusual burst reaches $\approx 10^3$ s.f.u and its polarization does not exceed 10%. This burst has a fine frequency-time structure of unusual appearance. It consists of stripes with the frequency bandwidth 300-400 kHz. We consider that several accompanied radio and optical events observed by SOHO and STEREO spacecraft are possibly associated with the reported radio burst. A model that may interpret the observed unusual solar radio burst is proposed.

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arXiv2015

In-flight calibration of STEREO-B/WAVES antenna system

The STEREO/WAVES (SWAVES) experiment on board the two STEREO spacecraft (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) launched on 25 October 2006 is dedicated to the measurement of the radio spectrum at frequencies between a few kilohertz and 16 MHz. The SWAVES antenna system consists of 6 m long orthogonal monopoles designed to measure the electric component of the radio waves. With this configuration direction finding of radio sources and polarimetry (analysis of the polarization state) of incident radio waves is possible. For the evaluation of the SWAVES data the receiving properties of the antennas, distorted by the radiation coupling with the spacecraft body and other onboard devices, have to be known accurately. In the present context, these properties are described by the antenna effective length vectors. We present the results of an in-flight calibration of the SWAVES antennas using the observations of the nonthermal terrestrial auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) during STEREO roll maneuvers in an early stage of the mission. A least squares method combined with a genetic algorithm was applied to find the effective length vectors of the STEREO Behind (STEREO-B)/WAVES antennas in a quasi-static frequency range ($L_{antenna} \ll λ_{wave}$) which fit best to the model and observed AKR intensity profiles. The obtained results confirm the former SWAVES antenna analysis by rheometry and numerical simulations. A final set of antenna parameters is recommended as a basis for evaluations of the SWAVES data.

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arXiv2015

LOFAR tied-array imaging and spectroscopy of solar S bursts

Context. The Sun is an active source of radio emission that is often associated with energetic phenomena ranging from nanoflares to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). At low radio frequencies (<100 MHz), numerous millisecond duration radio bursts have been reported, such as radio spikes or solar S bursts (where S stands for short). To date, these have neither been studied extensively nor imaged because of the instrumental limitations of previous radio telescopes. Aims. Here, Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) observations were used to study the spectral and spatial characteristics of a multitude of S bursts, as well as their origin and possible emission mechanisms. Methods. We used 170 simultaneous tied-array beams for spectroscopy and imaging of S bursts. Since S bursts have short timescales and fine frequency structures, high cadence (~50 ms) tied-array images were used instead of standard interferometric imaging, that is currently limited to one image per second. Results. On 9 July 2013, over 3000 S bursts were observed over a time period of ~8 hours. S bursts were found to appear as groups of short-lived (<1 s) and narrow-bandwidth (~2.5 MHz) features, the majority drifting at ~3.5 MHz/s and a wide range of circular polarisation degrees (2-8 times more polarised than the accompanying Type III bursts). Extrapolation of the photospheric magnetic field using the potential field source surface (PFSS) model suggests that S bursts are associated with a trans-equatorial loop system that connects an active region in the southern hemisphere to a bipolar region of plage in the northern hemisphere. Conclusions. We have identified polarised, short-lived solar radio bursts that have never been imaged before. They are observed at a height and frequency range where plasma emission is the dominant emission mechanism, however they possess some of the characteristics of electron-cyclotron maser emission.

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arXiv2014

LOFAR tied-array imaging of Type III solar radio bursts

The Sun is an active source of radio emission which is often associated with energetic phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). At low radio frequencies (<100 MHz), the Sun has not been imaged extensively because of the instrumental limitations of previous radio telescopes. Here, the combined high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) was used to study solar Type III radio bursts at 30-90 MHz and their association with CMEs. The Sun was imaged with 126 simultaneous tied-array beams within 5 solar radii of the solar centre. This method offers benefits over standard interferometric imaging since each beam produces high temporal (83 ms) and spectral resolution (12.5 kHz) dynamic spectra at an array of spatial locations centred on the Sun. LOFAR's standard interferometric output is currently limited to one image per second. Over a period of 30 minutes, multiple Type III radio bursts were observed, a number of which were found to be located at high altitudes (4 solar radii from the solar center at 30 MHz) and to have non-radial trajectories. These bursts occurred at altitudes in excess of values predicted by 1D radial electron density models. The non-radial high altitude Type III bursts were found to be associated with the expanding flank of a CME. The CME may have compressed neighbouring streamer plasma producing larger electron densities at high altitudes, while the non-radial burst trajectories can be explained by the deflection of radial magnetic fields as the CME expanded in the low corona.

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arXiv2013

Radio seismology of the outer solar corona

Observed oscillations of coronal loops in EUV lines have been successfully used to estimate plasma parameters in the inner corona (< 0.2 R_0, where R_0 is the solar radius). However, coronal seismology in EUV lines fails for higher altitudes because of rapid decrease in line intensity. We aim to use radio observations to estimate the plasma parameters of the outer solar corona (> 0.2 R_0). We use the large Ukrainian radio telescope URAN-2 to observe type IV radio burst at the frequency range of 8-32 MHz during the time interval of 09:50-12:30 UT in April 14, 2011. The burst was connected to C2.3 flare, which occurred in AR 11190 during 09:38-09:49 UT. The dynamic spectrum of radio emission shows clear quasi-periodic variations in the emission intensity at almost all frequencies. Wavelet analysis at four different frequencies (29 MHz, 25 MHz, 22 MHz and 14 MHz) shows the quasi-periodic variation of emission intensity with periods of 34 min and 23 min. The periodic variations can be explained by the first and second harmonics of vertical kink oscillation of transequatorial coronal loops, which were excited by the same flare. The apex of transequatorial loops may reach up to 1.2 R_0 altitude. We derive and solve the dispersion relation of trapped MHD oscillations in a longitudinally inhomogeneous magnetic slab. The analysis shows that a thin (with width to length ratio of 0.1), dense (with the ratio of internal and external densities of > 20) magnetic slab with weak longitudinal inhomogeneity may trap the observed oscillations. Seismologically estimated Alfvén speed inside the loop at the height of 1 R_0 is 1000 km/s. Then the magnetic field strength at this height is estimated as 0.9 G. Extrapolation of magnetic field strength to the inner corona gives 10 G at the height of 0.1 R_0.

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