Mapping the Magnetic Field of Flare Coronal Loops

Abstract

Here, we report on the unique observation of flaring coronal loops at the solar limb using high-resolution imaging spectropolarimetry from the Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope. The vantage position, orientation, and nature of the chromospheric material that filled the flare loops allowed us to determine their magnetic field with unprecedented accuracy using the weak-field approximation method. Our analysis reveals coronal magnetic field strengths as high as 350 G at heights up to 25 Mm above the solar limb. These measurements are substantially higher than a number of previous estimates and may have considerable implications for our current understanding of the extended solar atmosphere.