Hα Moreton waves observed on December 06, 2006. A 2D case study

Abstract

Context. We present high temporal resolution observations of a Moreton wave event detected with the Hα Solar Telescope for Argentina (HASTA) in the Hα line 656.3 nm, on December 6, 2006.
Aims: The aim is to contribute to the discussion about the nature and triggering mechanisms of Moreton wave events.
Methods: We describe the HASTA telescope capabilities and the observational techniques. We carried out a detailed analysis to determine the flare onset, the radiant point location, the kinematics of the disturbance and the activation time of two distant filaments. We used a 2D reconstruction of the HASTA and corresponding TRACE observations, together with conventional techniques, to analyze the probable origin of the phenomenon.
Results: The kinematic parameters and the probable onset time of the Moreton wave event are determined. A small-scale ejectum and the winking of two remote filaments are analyzed to discuss their relation with the Moreton disturbance.
Conclusions: The analysis of the Moreton wave event favors the hypothesis that the phenomenon can be described as the chromospheric imprint of a single fast coronal shock triggered from a single source in association with a coronal mass ejection. Its onset time is concurrent with a Lorentz force peak measured in the photosphere, as stated by other authors. However, the existence of multiple shock waves that were generated almost simultaneously cannot be discarded.