Coronal loop seismology using multiple transverse loop oscillation harmonics

Abstract

TRACE observations (23/11/1998 06:35:57-06:48:43UT) in the 171 bandpass of an active region are studied. Coronal loop oscillations are observed after a violent disruption of the equilibrium. The oscillation properties are studied to give seismological estimates of physical quantities, such as the density scale height. A loop segment is traced during the oscillation, and the resulting time series is analysed for periodicities. In the loop segment displacement, two periods are found: 435.64.5 s and 242.76.4 s, consistent with the periods of the fundamental and 2nd harmonic fast kink oscillation. The small uncertainties allow us to estimate the density scale height in the loop to be 109 Mm, which is about double the estimated hydrostatical value of 50 Mm. The eigenfunction is used to do spatial coronal seismology, but that method does not give any conclusive results. © 2008 International Astronomical Union.