Bright 30 THz impulsive solar bursts

Abstract Impulsive 30 THz continuum bursts have been recently observed in solar flares, utilizing small telescopes with a unique and relatively simple optical setup concept. The most intense burst was observed together with a GOES X2 class event on 27 October 2014, also detected at two subterahertz (sub‐THz) frequencies, Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager X‐rays and Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager and EUV. It exhibits strikingly good correlation in time and in space with white‐light flare emission. It is likely that this association may prove to be very common. All three 30 THz events recently observed exhibited intense fluxes in the range of 10 4 solar flux units, considerably larger than those measured for the same events at microwave and submillimeter wavelengths. The 30 THz burst emission might be part of the same spectral burst component found at sub‐THz frequencies. The 30 THz solar bursts open a promising new window for the study of flares at their origin.