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| Paper: |
Did the 4B Flare of 9 March 1989 Dump Lithium into a SPOT Umbra? |
| Volume: |
118, First Advances in Solar Physics Euroconference: Advances in the Physics of Sunspots |
| Page: |
86 |
| Authors: |
Livingston, W.; Poveda, A.; Wang, Y. |
| Abstract: |
Lithium is readily destroyed in the solar interior and its abundance on the surface suggests an ongoing renewal process. Spallation in energetic flares is one possibility, with its lithium by-products being deposited in sunspot umbrae. Such enrichment could be identified by a transient increase of Li line strength or as an enhancement of the Li(7}/Li({6)) ratio. (Li(6) has not yet been detected in the solar spectrum whereas the ratio is ~ 12 in meteorites, for example). The resonance feature of Li 670.78 nm is strong in large umbrae, central depth >0.5, but the line is very temperature sensitive. We show how adjacent TiO lines can be used to correct for temperature variations, enabling us to look for any Li abundance change. Good observations were obtained following the 4B flare of 9 Mar 89. Evidence is given for Li enhancement at one umbral position. Careful line profile analysis, however, shows no Li(6) . This problem is complicated by molecular blends and magnetic splitting patterns. We discuss how better observations could be made and the prospects for improving our knowledge of Li(7}/Li({6)) for the Sun using sunspots. |
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