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Notes: Abstract The advent of new and better instruments in space has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of solar gamma-ray events (GRE) detected. In this paper, we analyze available SMM/GRS and GRANAT/PHEBUS data on the hard X-ray and gamma-ray events, and their associations with solar proton events (SPE) at the Earth's orbit, for the observation period of 1980–1995. About 58% of the GREs under study were found to be SPE-related ones. Size (frequency) distributions have been obtained, for the first time, for the events with different types of emissions (bremsstrahlung, narrow GR lines, positron annihilation line, neutron capture line, SPEs, etc.). We discuss the possible relationships between size distributions implied by the parameter correlation. The distribution for GR events turns out to be generally harder than that for X-ray bursts. The GREs involving energetic particles in space are shown to have a harder frequency distribution in comparison with that for GREs without detectable SPEs. There is also a tendency for the GREs with highest fluences to be related with SPEs. Finally, no correlation seems to exist between the GRL fluence and maximum flux of 〉10 MeV protons near the Earth.

Notes: Abstract It is widely accepted now that a significant fraction of the solar energetic particles (SEPs) observed at 1 AU after major solar flares are actually accelerated at a CME-driven shock. In addition, in the emerging new paradigm for SEP acceleration in different sources at or near the Sun, the existence of two types of flares – impulsive and gradual – is recognized. Within this concept, it is tempting also to separate SEPs into two groups – interacting and escaping – and to derive their 'source spectra' from observational data on various flare emissions (protons, gamma rays, neutrons, etc.). By different techniques, those spectra have been reconstructed for 80 solar proton events (SPE) in 1949–1991. In this paper, all available data on the source spectra of solar protons are summarized and revised. We discuss in detail existing uncertainties in the derived spectral indexes, consider other methodological problems involved in this study, and suggest several possible lines for the future investigations of solar flares and SCRs using the source spectrum data. It is noted that some peculiarities of the spectra, for instance, spectral steepening for high energies, may be characteristic of large events of the 23 February 1956 type.

Notes: Abstract Out of the 56 Ground Level Enhancements (GLEs) of solar cosmic rays (SCRs) observed since 1942 until the present, 15 events were recorded in the 22nd cycle of solar activity (1986–1996). Solar proton events (SPEs) in that cycle displayed some peculiarities, which may need an interpretation on a new concept base. The event of September 29, 1989 is of special interest. Since the well-known event of February 23, 1956, it proved to be the most intense in the relativistic range of proton energies. This GLE affords a unique opportunity to study the propagation of SCRs over a wide range of rigidity. In spite of its occurrence behind the western solar limb, the originating major flare could be observed over a wide range of the wavelengths and particle energy spectra – from gamma rays to decametric radio waves, from 〉2 MeV electrons to multi-GeV protons; there were also measurements of the energy spectra and charge states of solar heavy nuclei. The flare was followed by some energetic solar phenomena (large magnetic loops, coronal eruptions and mass ejections, shocks, etc.). Due to the very hard rigidity spectrum, this was the first GLE recorded by underground muon detectors. The event also has a number of other unusual features, for example, an extended component of gamma-ray emission and the change in direction of the probable particle source during the event's initial stage. In addition, the intensity-time profile of the GLE is notable for its non-classic shape, showing a two-peak structure. The latter implies the possibility of a two-component (or two-source) ejection of accelerated particles from the Sun. The available observational data for the event is described in detail, the main focus of this paper is concentrated on different attempts to interpret the data within the framework of traditional and non-traditional concepts: shock and/or post-eruption acceleration, two-component (dual) ejection, two-source model of particle acceleration in large (extended) coronal structures, etc. None of the models put forward for explaining this event is exhaustive. The rigidity spectrum of ejected protons is estimated and the problem of the maximum rigidity, R m, of the accelerated particles is discussed. In the relativistic range, this event proved to be by 1–2 orders less intense than the event of February 23, 1956. It is also shown that the event of September 29, 1989 could not have been recorded with the present-day neutrino detectors.