Review of selected RHESSI solar results

Abstract

We review selected science results from RHESSI solar observations made since launch on 5 February 2002. A brief summary of the instrumentation is given followed by a sampling of the major science results obtained from the soft X-ray, hard X-ray, and gamma-ray energy domains. The thermal continuum measurements and detection of Fe-line features are discussed as they relate to parameters of the thermal flare plasma for several events, including microflares. Observations of X-ray looptop, and rising above-the-loop sources are discussed as they relate to standard models of eruptive events and the existence of a current sheet between the two. Hard X-ray spectra and images of footpoints and coronal sources are presented, showing how they can be used to separate thermal and nonthermal sources and determine the magnetic reconnection rate. Gamma-ray line images and spectra are presented as they relate to determining the location, spectra, and angular distribution of the accelerated ions and the temperature of the chromospheric target material. Finally, we discuss the overall energy budget for two of the larger events seen with RHESSI. © 2007 Springer.