X-ray flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during very quiet solar activity conditions of 2009

Abstract

Solar flares (SFs) are sudden brightening observed over the Sun's surface which is associated with a large energy release. Flares with burst of X-ray emission are normally followed by a mass ejection of electrons and ions from the solar atmosphere called Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). There is an evidence that solar magnetic field can change its configuration through reconnection and release energy, accelerating solar plasma causing SFs and CMEs. This study examines the SFs/CMEs data from SOHO and GOES satellites during the very low solar activity year of 2009 and moderately high solar activity of 2002.The results indicate that certain modifications in the existing mechanisms of generating SFs/CMEs would be necessary for developing more realistic forecast models affecting the space weather conditions.