Today, Prof. Alexander Afanasiev introduced us to the mechanisms of particle acceleration at the level of the Sun, with the two main sources of solar energetic particles: solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
He first spoke about the formation of coronal shocks driven by CMEs, and how they are highly efficient particle accelerators, by presenting different complementary theoretical mechanisms.
He then developed other mechanisms associated with flares and magnetic reconnection. This very complete lesson was followed in the afternoon by exercises.