Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 August 2015
The association of Hα flares with photospheric magnetic field patterns is reviewed on the basis of empirical evidence. The insertion of flares in the H∥ and H⊥ patterns is described. Present data on the evolution of magnetic structures in connection with flares suggest that flares result from special trends in this evolution leading to stressed and/or ‘misconnected’ fields. However no sudden changes with a flare-like time scale have been definitely observed in photospheric fields.