Statistical investigation of the widths of supra-arcade downflows observed during a solar flare

Abstract

ABSTRACT Supra-arcade downflows (SADs) are dark voids descending towards the post-reconnection flare loops and exhibit obvious variation in properties like width. However, due to the lack of further statistical studies, the mechanism behind such variations hitherto remains elusive. Here, we statistically investigated widths of 81 SADs observed in one flare by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). For each of SADs, six moments were selected with equal time intervals to measure their widths at different stages of their evolution. It is found that most SADs show a roughly monotonous width decrease during their descents, while some SADs with small initial widths can have complex evolutions. 3D reconstruction results based on SDO and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory Ahead (STEREO-A) images and thermal properties analysis reveal that differences in magnetic and plasma environments may result in that SADs in the north are overall wider than those in the south. Additionally, correlation analysis between the width and other parameters of SADs was further conducted and revealed that (1) SADs with different initial widths show no significant differences in their temperature and density evolution characteristics; (2) SADs with small initial widths usually appear in lower heights, where more frequent collisions between SADs could lead to their intermittent acceleration, width increment, and curved trajectories. These results indicate that SADs with different initial widths are produced the same way, while different environments (magnetic field or plasma) could affect their subsequent width evolutions.