Solar gamma rays

Abstract

Calculations are presented for the production of gamma-ray lines and continuum emission in solar flares. The interaction models used in the calculations are described, neutron-producing reactions are identified, and formation of the 2.2-MeV line is analyzed. The most important prompt gamma-ray lines that can be observed during solar flares are determined, and the production of gamma-ray continuum emission by electron-proton bremsstrahlung is examined. The results are compared with data on the solar flare of August 4, 1972, to deduce the number and spectrum of accelerated particles at the sun as well as the energy deposited by them in the solar atmosphere. Problems concerning the formation of the 0.51-MeV line by positron annihilation are investigated, and estimates are made for the high-energy gamma-ray and neutron fluxes (at earth) produced by the August 4 flare. The main findings for that flare are: (1) the strongest line, at 2.2 MeV, was due to neutron capture by protons in the photosphere; (2) the intensity of that line depended on the photospheric He-3 abundance; (3) the neutrons were produced mainly in proton-alpha reactions by accelerated particles with energies in excess of 30 MeV/nucleon; and (4) the strongest prompt lines were due to deexcitation of excited states in C-12, O-16, and N-15.