Reconnection in three dimensions: The role of spines in three eruptive flares

In order to better understand magnetic reconnection and particle acceleration in solar flares, we compare the RHESSI hard X-ray (HXR) footpoint motions of three flares with a detailed study of the corresponding topology given by a Magnetic Charge Topology model. We analyze the relationship between the footpoint motions and topological spine lines and find that the examined footpoint sources move along spine lines. We present a three-dimensional topological model in which this movement can be understood. As reconnection proceeds, flux is transferred between the reconnecting domains, causing the separator to move. The movement of the separator\'s chromospheric ends, identified with the HXR footpoints, is along those spine lines on which the separator ends.