Erlangen 2026 – scientific programme

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EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik

EP 8: Sun and Heliosphere II

EP 8.4: Talk

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:00–12:15, KH 01.019

Probing Flare Energy Release with STIX Hard X-ray Lightcurves — •Oliver Flor — Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany — University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

Investigating hard X-ray (HXR) emission provides valuable insights into the energy release and particle acceleration mechanisms inherent to the flaring process. We present a statistical study of the HXR lightcurves of all flares with GOES classification M5 or larger of the current solar cycle that were observed by Solar Orbiter STIX with sufficient counts above 25keV.

Using a suite of timeseries analysis tooles such as Gaussian Decomposition and Wavelet analysis, we investigate how the number of HXR peaks, as well as their periods and amplitudes and the presence of potential quasi periodic pulsations (QPPs) vary across a decade of flare magnitudes.

The results of this data analysis allow us to explore the physical implications of detecting multiple HXR bursts within individual flares. Specifically, we investigate how characteristic timescales and potential QPPs may reflect underlying processes, such as repetitive magnetic reconnection or oscillation of MHD waves, thereby expanding our understanding of energy release during solar flares.

Keywords: Solar Flares; STIX; Solar Orbiter; Hard X-Ray Lightcurves; Gaussian Decomposition