New classification parameter of solar flares based on the maximum flux in soft X-rays and on duration of flare

Abstract

Solar flare activity is characterised by different classification systems, both in optical and X-ray ranges. The most generally accepted classifications of solar flares describe important parameters of flares such as the maximum of brightness of the flare in the in optical range - $H_{\alpha}$ flare class (change from F to B), area of the flare in $H_{\alpha}$ (change from S for areas less than 2 square degrees to 4 for areas more than 24.7 square degrees) and the maximum amplitude of the soft X-ray (SXR-flux) in the band 0.1 -- 0.8 nm ($F_{0.1-0.8}^{max}$) -- X-ray flares of classes from C to X. A new classification parameter of solar flares is proposed here -- the X-ray index of flare XI, based on GOES measurements of solar radiation in the SXR-range. The XI-index has a clear physical interpretation associated with the total flare energy in the SXR-range. XI is easily calculated for each flare with use of available GOES data. The XI-index can be used along with other geoeffective parameters of Solar activity to assess both flares and Coronal mass ejections (CMEs ) that are connected with them.