Direct observation of the energy release site in a solar flare by SDO/AIA, Hinode/EIS, and RHESSI

Aims. We present direct evidence of the detection of the main energy release site in a non-eruptive solar flare, SOL2013-11-09T06:38 UT. This GOES class C2.6 event was characterised by two flaring ribbons and a compact, bright coronal source located between them, which is the focus of our study. Methods. We use imaging from SDO/AIA, and imaging spectroscopy from RHESSI to characterise the thermal and non-thermal emission from the coronal source, and EUV spectroscopy from the Hinode/Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer, which scanned the coronal source during the impulsive peak, to analyse Doppler shifts in Fe xi