Main Objective: Distinguish heating frequency modes in active region core
Scientific Justification: The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS) provides soft X-ray spectra (6-24 Angstroms) and spatial information along a 12’ x 33’ slot. The MaGIXS bandpass is dominated by high temperature emission lines, with key lines of Fe XVII, Fe XVIII, Fe XIX, Ne IX, and O VII. The primary science goal for this instrument is to determine the loop heating frequency in solar active regions in order to distinguish between low (nanoflare) and high (wave) frequency heating sources. To this end, MaGIXS will be able to detect and qualify high-temperature, low-emission-measure plasma in the active region core through a single optical path at rapid cadence (~1-2 seconds). Coordinated observations with Hinode and IRIS broaden the available spectral and temperature distribution, bound the AR photospheric field, and provide key soft X-ray, high cadence contextual information. |
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