In previous studies correlating E> 10 MeV proton fluxes and spectra with various associated microwave burst parameters, the resulting high correlations were assumed to reflect a common acceleration process for the protons and the microwave-emitting electrons. We suggest and test an alternative explanation for these correlations, which we term the Big Flare Syndrome (BFS), that states that, statistically, energetic flare phenomena are more intense in larger flares, regardless of the detailed physics. Peak 1-8 A X-ray fluxes, characteristic of the thermal flare, are correlated with peak proton fluxes to derive correlation coefficients characteristics of the BFS. Of all microwave parameters tested for the 1973-1979 period, only the time-integrated flux densities at 8800 and 15400 MHz may be significantly larger than expected form the BFS. We fail to confirm previous results associating peak proton spectra with peak microwave spectral characteristics, thus finding no evidence that peak microwave fluxes are indicative of proton acceleration. We extend this conclusion to peak hard X-ray correlations. The strongly nonlinear relationship deduced between flare energy and proton production also appears invalid.

In previous studies correlating E > 10 MeV proton fluxes and spectra with various associated microwave burst parameters, the resulting high correlations were assumed to reflect a common acceleration process for the protons and the microwave-emitting electrons. We suggest and test an alternative explanation for these correlations, which we term the Big Flare Syndrome (BFS), that states that, statistically, energetic flare phenomena are more intense in larger flares, regardless of the detailed physics. Peak 1-8 A X-ray fluxes, characteristic of the thermal flare, are correlated with peak proton fluxes to derive correlation coefficients characteristics of the BFS. Of all microwave parameters tested for the 1973-1979 period, only the time-integrated flux densities at 8800 and 15400 MHz may be significantly larger than expected form the BFS. We fail to confirm previous results associating peak proton spectra with peak microwave spectral characteristics, thus finding no evidence that peak microwave fluxes are indicative of proton acceleration. We extend this conclusion to peak hard X-ray correlations. The strongly nonlinear relationship deduced between flare energy and proton production also appears invalid.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts, which has appeared in semi-annual volumes since 1969, is devoted to the recording, summarizing and indexing of astronomical publications throughout the world. It is prepared under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union (according to a resolution adopted at the 14th General Assembly in 1970). Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts aims to present a comprehensive documenta tion of literature in all fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Every effort will be made to ensure that the average time interval between the date of receipt of the original literature and publication of the abstracts will not exceed eight months. This time interval is near to that achieved by monthly abstracting journals, compared to which our system of accumu lating abstracts for about six months offers the advantage of greater convenience for the user. Volume 31 contains literature published in 1982 and received before July 15, 1982; some older literature which was received late and which is not recorded in earlier volumes is also included. We acknowledge with thanks contributions to this volume by Dr. J. Bouska, Prague, who surveyed journals and publications in Czech and supplied us with abstracts in English .

This concise primer introduces the non-specialist reader to the physics of solar energetic particles (SEP) and systematically reviews the evidence for the two main mechanisms which lead to the so-called impulsive and gradual SEP events. More specifically, the timing of the onsets, the longitude distributions, the high-energy spectral shapes, the correlations with other solar phenomena (e.g. coronal mass ejections), as well as the all-important elemental and isotopic abundances of SEPs are investigated. Impulsive SEP events are related to magnetic reconnection in solar flares and jets. The concept of shock acceleration by scattering on self-amplified Alfvén waves is introduced, as is the evidence of reacceleration of impulsive-SEP material in the seed population accessed by the shocks in gradual events. The text then develops processes of transport of ions out to an observer. Finally, a new technique to determine the source plasma temperature in both impulsive and gradual events is demonstrated. Last but not least the role of SEP events as a radiation hazard in space is mentioned and a short discussion of the nature of the main particle telescope designs that have contributed to most of the SEP measurements is given.