The first gradual solar energetic particle event with an enhanced 3He abundance on Solar Orbiter

Abstract

The origin of 3He abundance enhancements in gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events remains largely unexplained. Two mechanisms have been suggested: the reacceleration of remnant flare material by coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shocks in interplanetary space, and concomitant activity in the corona. We explore the first gradual SEP event with enhanced 3He abundance that was observed by Solar Orbiter. The event started on 2020 November 24 and was associated with a relatively fast halo CME. During the event, the spacecraft was at 0.9 au from the Sun. The event-averaged 3He/4He abundance ratio is 24 times higher than the coronal or solar wind value, and the timing of the 3He intensity was similar to that of other species. We inspected available imaging, radio observations, and the spacecraft magnetic connection to the CME source. The most probable cause of the enhanced 3He abundance apparently are residual 3He ions remaining from a preceding long period of 3He-rich SEPs on 2020 November 17–23.