A. A. Konovalenko

Modulation structures in the dynamic spectra of Jovian radio emission obtained with high time-frequency resolution

Aims. The wide-band dynamic spectra of Jovian decameter emission obtained over the last decade with high-frequency and high time resolution equipment on the largest decameter band antenna array, the Ukrainian T-shape Radio telescope (UTR-2), are presented. Methods. We analyzed the data obtained with the Digital SpectroPolarimiter (DSP) and WaveForm Reciever (WFR) installed at UTR-2. The combination of the large antenna and high performance equipment gives the best sensitivity and widest band of analysis, dynamic range, time and frequency resolutions. The wavelet transform method and the Fourier technique was used for further data processing. Results. The main characteristics of already known and newly detected modulation events were investigated and specified. The new receiving-recording facilities, methodology and program of observations are described in detail.

Radio seismology of the outer solar corona

Context. Observed oscillations of coronal loops in EUV lines have been successfully used to estimate plasma parameters in the inner corona ( 0.2 R0). Methods. We use the large Ukrainian radio telescope URAN-2 to observe type IV radio burst at the frequency range of 8-32 MHz during the time interval of 09:50-12:30 UT in April 14, 2011. The burst was connected to C2.3 flare, which occurred in AR 111 90 during 09:38-09:49 UT. The dynamic spectrum of radio emission shows clear quasi-periodic variations in the emission intensity at almost all frequencies. Results. Wavelet analysis at four different frequencies (29 MHz, 25 MHz, 22 MHz and 14 MHz) shows thequasi-periodic variation of emission intensity with periods of∼ 34 min and∼ 23 min. The periodic variations can be explained by the first a nd second harmonics of vertical kink oscillation of transequatorial cor onal loops, which were excited by the same flare. The apex of tr ansequatorial loops may reach up to 1.2 R0 altitude. We derive and solve the dispersion relation of tra pped MHD oscillations in a longitudinally inhomogeneous magnetic slab. The analysis shows that a thin (with width to length ratio of 0.1), dense (with the ratio of i nternal and external densities of≥ 20) magnetic slab with weak longitudinal inhomogeneity may trap the observed oscillations. Seismologically

Fast and slow frequency-drifting millisecond bursts in Jovian decametric radio emissions

We present an analysis of several Jovian Io-related decametric radio storms recorded in 2004−2012 at the Ukrainian array UTR-2 using the new generation of baseband digital receivers. Continuous baseband sampling within sessions lasting for several hours enabled us to study the evolution of multiscale spectral patterns during the whole storm at varying time and frequency resolutions and trace the temporal transformation of burst structures in unprecedented detail. In addition to the well-known frequency drifting millisecond patterns known as S bursts we detected two other classes of events that often look like S bursts at low resolution but reveal a more complicated structure in high resolution dynamic spectra. The emissions of the first type (LS bursts, superposition of L and S type emissions) have a much lower frequency drift rate than the usual quasi linearly drifting S bursts (QS) and often occur within a frequency band where L emission is simultaneously present, suggesting that both LS and at least part of L emissions may come from the same source. The bursts of the second type (modulated S bursts called MS) are formed by a wideband frequency-modulated envelope that can mimic S bursts with very steep negative (or even positive) drift rates. Observed with insufficient time-frequency resolution, MS look like S bursts with complex shapes and varying drifts; MS patterns often occur in association with (i) narrowband emission; (ii) S burst trains; or (iii) sequences of fast drift shadow events. We propose a phenomenological description for various types of S emissions, that should include at least three components: highand low-frequency limitation of the overall frequency band of the emission, fast frequency modulation of emission structures within this band, and emergence of elementary S burst substructures, that we call “forking” structures. All together, these three components can produce most of the observed spectral structures, including S bursts with apparently very complex time-frequency structures.

Decameter Type III Bursts with Changing Frequency Drift-Rate Signs

We discuss properties of type III bursts which change sign of their drift rate from negative to positive and vice versa. Moreover such bursts may change sign of their drift rates more than once. These specific type III bursts were observed simultaneously by radio telescopes UTR-2, URAN-2 and NDA in frequency band 8-41 MHz. The negative drift rates of these bursts are close to those of usual decameter type III bursts and variate from -0.84 MHz/s to -5.56 MHz/s. The positive drift rates of specific type III bursts vary in the wider range from 0.44MHz/s to 12 MHz/s. Unlike inverted U-bursts these type III bursts still drift from the high frequencies to the low frequencies in spite of the change of the drift rates signs. Our basic explanation of the positive drift rate of these type III burst differs from the common assumption that positive drift rates of Type III bursts are connected with electron beam propagation towards the Sun. We propose that, even if electron beams move outward from the Sun, they can generate type III bursts with positive drift rates if in some regions of the solar corona the group velocities of type III radio emissions are lower than the velocities of the electron beams.

Heliograph of the UTR-2 Radio Telescope. I. General Scheme

The broadband analog-digital heliograph based on the UTR-2 radio telescope is described in detail. This device operates by employing the parallel-series principle when five equi-spaced array pattern beams which scan the given radio source (e.g. solar corona) are simultaneously shaped. As a result, the obtained image presents a frame of 5 × 8 pixels with the space resolution 25 ′ × 25 ′ at 25 MHz. Each pixel corresponds to the signal from the appropriate pattern beam. The most essential heliograph component is its phase shift module for fast sky scanning by pencilshape antenna beams. Its design, as well as its switched cable lengths calculation procedure, are presented, too. Each heliogram is formed in the actual heliograph just by using this phase shifter. Every pixel of a signal received from the corresponding antenna pattern beam is the cross-correlation dynamic spectrum (time-frequencyintensity) measured in real time with the digital spectrum processor. This new generation heliograph gives the solar corona images in the frequency range 8-32 MHz with the frequency resolution 4 kHz, time resolution to 1 ms, and dynamic range about 90 dB. The heliographic observations of radio sources and solar corona made in summer of 2010 are demonstrated as examples.

Separating Nightside Interplanetary and Ionospheric Scintillation with LOFAR

Observation of interplanetary scintillation (IPS) beyond Earth-orbit can be challenging due to the necessity to use low radio frequencies at which scintillation due to the ionosphere could confuse the interplanetary contribution. A recent paper by Kaplan {\it et al} (2015) presenting observations using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) reports evidence of night-side IPS on two radio sources within their field of view. However, the low time cadence of 2\,s used might be expected to average out the IPS signal, resulting in the reasonable assumption that the scintillation is more likely to be ionospheric in origin. To verify or otherwise this assumption, this letter uses observations of IPS taken at a high time cadence using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). Averaging these to the same as the MWA observations, we demonstrate that the MWA result is consistent with IPS, although some contribution from the ionosphere cannot be ruled out. These LOFAR observations represent the first of night-side IPS using LOFAR, with solar wind speeds consistent with a slow solar wind stream in one observation and a CME expecting to be observed in another.

Zebra pattern in decametric radio emission of Jupiter

We report the systematic analysis of zebra-like fine spectral structures in decametric frequency range of Jovian radio emission. Observations were performed by the large ground-based radio telescope URAN-2 during three observation campaigns between, Sep., 2012, and May, 2015. In total, 51 zebra pattern (ZP) events were detected. These rare fine radio features are observed in frequency range from 12.5 to 29.7 MHz as quasi-harmonically related bands of enhanced brightness. ZPs are strongly polarized radio emission with a duration from 20 s to 290 s and flux densities similar to 10(5)-10(6) Jy (normalized to 1 AU), that is, 1-2 orders lower than for Io-decametric radio emission (DAM). Occurrence of the events does not depend on the position of Io satellite but is strongly controlled by the Jovian central meridian longitude (CML). ZPs are mainly detected in two active sectors of Jovian CMLs: 100 degrees to 160 degrees for Northern sources (right-handed polarized) and 300 degrees and 60 degrees (via 360 degrees) for the Southern sources (left-handed). The frequency interval between neighboring stripes is from 0.26 to 1.5 MHz and in most cases this interval increases with frequency. We discussed the double plasma resonance with electrons or ions as a possible source of the ZPs. The performed analysis of the observations allows us to conclude that the observed ZPs are a new type of narrow band spectral structures in the Jovian DAM.

Radio signatures of shock-accelerated electron beams in the solar corona

Context. The Sun’s activity can appear in terms of radio bursts. In the frequency range 8−33 MHz the radio telescope URAN-2 observed special fine structures appearing as a chain of stripes of enhanced radio emission in the dynamic radio spectrum. The chain drifts slowly from 26 to 23 MHz within 4 min. The individual structures consist of a “head” at the high-frequency edge and a “tail” rapidly drifting from the “head” to lower frequencies over an extent of ≈10 MHz within 8 s. Since they resemble the well-known “herring bones” in type II radio bursts, they are interpreted as shock accelerated electron beams. Aims. The electron beams generating these fine structures are considered to be produced by shock drift acceleration (SDA). The beam electrons excite Langmuir waves which are converted into radio waves by nonlinear wave-plasma processes. That is called plasma emission. The aim of this paper is to link the radio spectral data of these fine structures to the theoretical results in order to gain a better understanding of the generation of energetic electrons by shocks in the solar corona. Methods. Adopting SDA for generating energetic electrons, the accelerated electrons establish a beam-like velocity distribution. Plasma emission requires the excitation of Langmuir waves, which is efficient if the velocity of the beam electrons exceeds a few times thermal electron speed. That is the case if the angle between the shock normal and the upstream magnetic field is nearly perpendicular. Hence, the Rankine-Hugoniot relationships, which describe the shock transition in the framework of magnetohydrodynamics, are evaluated for the special case of nearly perpendicular shocks under coronal circumstances. Results. The radio data deduced from the dynamic radio spectrum can be related in the best way to the theoretical results, if the electron beams, which generate these fine structures, are generated via SDA at an almost perpendicular shock, which is traveling nearly horizontally to the surface of the Sun.