Showing papers on "Coronal mass ejection published in 2004"

A catalog of white light coronal mass ejections observed by the SOHO spacecraft

Abstract: [1] The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission's white light coronagraphs have observed nearly 7000 coronal mass ejections (CMEs) between 1996 and 2002. We have documented the measured properties of all these CMEs in an online catalog. We describe this catalog and present a summary of the statistical properties of the CMEs. The primary measurements made on each CME are the apparent central position angle, the angular width in the sky plane, and the height (heliocentric distance) as a function of time. The height-time measurements are then fitted to first- and second-order polynomials to derive the average apparent speed and acceleration of the CMEs. The statistical properties of CMEs are (1) the average width of normal CMEs (20° 900 km s−1) show deceleration. Solar cycle variation and statistical properties of CMEs are revealed with greater clarity in this study as compared with previous studies. Implications of our findings for CME models are discussed.

EUVI: the STEREO-SECCHI extreme ultraviolet imager

Abstract: The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) is part of the SECCHI instrument suite currently being developed for the NASA STEREO mission. Identical EUVI telescopes on the two STEREO spacecraft will study the structure and evolution of the solar corona in three dimensions, and specifically focus on the initiation and early evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The EUVI telescope is being developed at the Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Lab. The SECCHI investigation is led by the Naval Research Lab. The EUVI’s 2048 x 2048 pixel detectors have a field of view out to 1.7 solar radii, and observe in four spectral channels that span the 0.1 to 20 MK temperature range. In addition to its view from two vantage points, the EUVI will provide a substantial improvement in image resolution and image cadence over its predecessor SOHO-EIT, while complying with the more restricted mass, power, and volume allocations on the STEREO mission.

Solar chromospheric spicules from the leakage of photospheric oscillations and flows

Abstract: Spicules are dynamic jets propelled upwards (at speeds of approximately 20 km s(-1)) from the solar 'surface' (photosphere) into the magnetized low atmosphere of the Sun. They carry a mass flux of 100 times that of the solar wind into the low solar corona. With diameters close to observational limits (< 500 km), spicules have been largely unexplained since their discovery in 1877: none of the existing models can account simultaneously for their ubiquity, evolution, energetics and recently discovered periodicity. Here we report a synthesis of modelling and high-spatial-resolution observations in which numerical simulations driven by observed photospheric velocities directly reproduce the observed occurrence and properties of individual spicules. Photospheric velocities are dominated by convective granulation (which has been considered before for spicule formation) and by p-modes (which are solar global resonant acoustic oscillations visible in the photosphere as quasi-sinusoidal velocity and intensity pulsations). We show that the previously ignored p-modes are crucial: on inclined magnetic flux tubes, the p-modes leak sufficient energy from the global resonant cavity into the chromosphere to power shocks that drive upward flows and form spicules.

On the three-dimensional configuration of coronal mass ejections

Abstract: Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are a direct consequence of the dynamic nature of the solar atmosphere. They represent fundamental processes in which energy is transferred from the Sun into interplanetary space, including geospace. Their origin, 3D structure and internal magnetic field configuration are to date not well understood. The SOHO spacecraft, launched by the end of 1995, has provided unprecedented data on CMEs since instruments switched on in 1996. From a detailed investigation of the full set of LASCO (Large Angle Spectroscopic Coronagraph) observations from 1996 to the end of 2002, a set of structured CME events has been identified, which exhibits white-light fine structures likely indicative of their internal magnetic field configuration and possible 3D structure. Their source regions in the low corona and photosphere have been inferred by means of complementary analyses of data from the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) and Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) on board SOHO, and ground-based Hα measurements. According to the results of this study, structured CMEs arise in a self-similar manner from pre-existing small scale loop systems, overlying regions of opposite magnetic polarities. From the characteristic pattern of the CMEs' source regions in both solar hemispheres, a generic scheme is presented in which the projected white-light topology of a CME depends primarily on the orientation and position of the source region's neutral line on the solar disk. The paper also provides information about the white-light characteristics of the analysed CMEs, such as angular width and position angle, with respect to their source region properties, such as heliographic location, inclination and length, including the frequency and variation of these parameters over the investigated time period.

Intensity variation of large solar energetic particle events associated with coronal mass ejections

Abstract: [1] We studied the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares associated with large solar energetic particle (SEP) events of solar cycle 23 (1996–2002) in order to determine what property of the solar eruptions might order the SEP intensity. The SEP events were divided into three groups: (1) events in which the primary CME was preceded by one or more wide CMEs from the same solar source, (2) events with no such preceding CMEs, and (3) events in which the primary CME might have interacted with a streamer or with a nearby halo CME. The SEP intensities are distinct for groups 1 and 2 although the CME properties were nearly identical. Group 3 was similar to group 1. The primary findings of this study are as follows: (1) Higher SEP intensity results whenever a CME is preceded by another wide CME from the same source region. (2) The average flare size was also larger for high-intensity SEP events. (3) The intensity of SEP events with preceding CMEs showed a tighter correlation with CME speed. The extent of scatter in the CME speed versus SEP intensity plots was reduced when various subgroups were considered separately. (4) The intensities of energetic electrons were better correlated with flare size than with CME speed. (5) The SEP intensity showed poor correlation with the flare size, except for group 3 events. Since only a third of the events did not have preceding CMEs, we conclude that the majority of SEP producing CMEs propagate through the near-Sun interplanetary medium severely disturbed and distorted by the preceding CMEs. Furthermore, the preceding CMEs are faster and wider on the average, so they may provide seed particles for CME-driven shocks that follow. Therefore we conclude that the differing intensities of SEP events in the two groups may not have resulted due to the inherent properties of the CMEs. The presence of preceding CMEs seems to be the discriminating characteristic of the high- and low-intensity SEP events.

Modeling a space weather event from the Sun to the Earth: CME generation and interplanetary propagation

Abstract: [1] We present a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model describing the time-dependent expulsion of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the solar corona propagating to 1 astronomical unit (AU) The simulations are performed using the Block Adaptive Tree Solar-Wind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) code We begin by developing a global steady-state model of the corona that possesses high-latitude coronal holes and a helmet streamer structure with a current sheet at the equator The Archimedean spiral topology of the interplanetary magnetic field is reproduced along with fast and slow speed solar wind Within this model system, we drive a CME to erupt by the introduction of a Gibson-Low magnetic flux rope that is anchored at both ends in the photosphere and embedded in the helmet streamer in an initial state of force imbalance The flux rope rapidly expands and is ejected from the corona with maximum speeds in excess of 1000 km/s Physics-based adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) allows us to capture the structure of the CME focused on a particular Sun-Earth line with high spatial resolution given to the bow shock ahead of the flux rope as well as to the current sheet behind The CME produces a large magnetic cloud at 1 AU (>100 R⊙) in which Bz undergoes a full rotation from north to south with an amplitude of 20 nT In a companion paper, we find that the CME is very effective in generating strong geomagnetic activity at the Earth in two ways First, through the strong sustained southward Bz (lasting more than 10 hours) and, second, by a pressure increase associated with the CME-driven shock that compresses the magnetosphere

XMM-Newton Observation of Solar Wind Charge Exchange Emission

Abstract: We present an XMM-Newton spectrum of diffuse X-ray emission from within the solar system. The spectrum is dominated by O VII and O VIII lines at 0.57 keV and 0.65 keV, O VIII (and possibly Fe XVII) lines at approximately 0.8 keV, Ne IX lines at approximately 0.92 keV, and Mg XI lines at approximately 1.35 keV. This spectrum is consistent with what is expected from charge exchange emission between the highly ionized solar wind and either interstellar neutrals in the heliosphere or material from Earth's exosphere. The emission is clearly seen as a low-energy ( E less than 1.5 keV) spectral enhancement in one of a series of observations of the Hubble Deep Field North. The X-ray enhancement is concurrent with an enhancement in the solar wind measured by the ACE satellite. The solar wind enhancement reaches a flux level an order of magnitude more intense than typical fluxes at 1 AU, and has ion ratios with significantly enhanced higher ionization states. Whereas observations of the solar wind plasma made at a single point reflect only local conditions which may only be representative of solar wind properties with spatial scales ranging from less than half of an Earth radii (approximately 10 s) to 100 Earth radii, X-ray observations of solar wind charge exchange are remote sensing measurements which may provide observations which are significantly more global in character. Besides being of interest in its own right for studies of the solar system, this emission can have significant consequences for observations of more cosmological objects. It can provide emission lines at zero redshift which are of particular interest (e.g., O VII and O VIII) in studies of diffuse thermal emission, and which can therefore act as contamination in objects which cover the entire detector field of view. We propose the use of solar wind monitoring data, such as from the ACE and Wind spacecraft, as a diagnostic to screen for such possibilities.

Energy partition in two solar flare/CME events

Abstract: Using coordinated observations from instruments on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), and the Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), we have evaluated the energetics of two well-observed flare/CME events on 21 April 2002 and 23 July 2002. For each event, we have estimated the energy contents (and the likely uncertainties) of (1) the coronal mass ejection, (2) the thermal plasma at the Sun, (3) the hard X-ray producing accelerated electrons, (4) the gamma-ray producing ions, and (5) the solar energetic particles. The results are assimilated and discussed relative to the probable amount of nonpotential magnetic energy available in a large active region.

On the Aerodynamic Drag Force Acting on Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections

Abstract: It is well known that the interaction of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) with the solar wind leads to an equalisation of the ICME and solar wind velocities at 1 AU. This can be understood in terms of an aerodynamic drag force per unit mass of the form FD/M=−(ρeACD/M)(Vi−Ve)∣Vi−Ve∣, where A and M are the ICME cross-section and sum of the mass and virtual mass, Vi and Ve the speed of the ICME and solar wind, ρe the solar wind density, CD a dimensionless drag coefficient, and the inverse deceleration length γ=ρeA/M. The optimal radial parameterisation of γ and CD beyond approximately 15 solar radii is calculated. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations show that for dense ICMEs, CD varies slowly between the Sun and 1 AU, and is of order unity. When the ICME and solar wind densities are similar, CD is larger (between 3 and 10), but remains approximately constant with radial distance. For tenuous ICMEs, the ICME and solar wind velocities equalise rapidly due to the very effective drag force. For ICMEs denser that the ambient solar wind, both approaches show that γ is approximately independent of radius, while for tenuous ICMEs, γ falls off linearly with distance. When the ICME density is similar to or less than that in the solar wind, inclusion of virtual mass effects is essential.

A Study of the Kinematic Evolution of Coronal Mass Ejections

Abstract: We report the kinematic properties of a set of three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed with the LASCO (Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, which showed characteristics of impulsive, intermediate, and gradual acceleration, respectively. The first CME had a 30 minute long fast acceleration phase during which the average acceleration was about 308 m s-2; this acceleration took place over a distance of about 3.3 R☉ (from 1.3 to 4.6 R☉, height measured from disk center). The CME characterized by intermediate acceleration had a long acceleration phase of about 160 minutes during which the average acceleration was about 131 m s-2; the CME traveled a distance of at least 4.3 R☉, reaching a height of 7.0 R☉ at the end of the acceleration phase. The CME characterized by gradual acceleration had no fast acceleration phase. Instead, it displayed a persistent weak acceleration lasting more than 24 hr with an average acceleration of only 4.0 m s-2 throughout the LASCO field of view (from 1.1 to 30 R☉). This study demonstrates that the final velocity of a CME is determined by a combination of acceleration magnitude and acceleration duration, both of which can vary significantly from event to event. The first two CME events were associated with soft X-ray flares. We found that in the acceleration phase there was close temporal correlation both between the CME velocity and the soft X-ray flux of the flare and between the CME acceleration and derivative of the X-ray flux. These correlations indicate that the CME large-scale acceleration and the flare particle acceleration are strongly coupled physical phenomena occurring in the corona.

Three‐dimensional, multispecies, high spatial resolution MHD studies of the solar wind interaction with Mars

Abstract: [1] We present the results of model calculations, using our new, four-species, spherical MHD model. Our results are compared with the relevant and limited available data. The resulting comparisons help us to increase our understanding of the interaction processes between the solar wind and the Martian atmosphere/ionosphere. This new model with a spherical grid structure allowed us to use small (� 10 km) radial grid spacing in the ionospheric region. We found that the calculated bow shock positions agree reasonably well with the observed values. The calculated results vary with interplanetary magnetic field orientation, solar cycle conditions, and subsolar location. We found that our calculated ion densities, with parameters corresponding to solar cycle minimum conditions, reproduced the Viking 1 observed ion densities well. The calculated solar cycle maximum densities, above � 140 km, are also consistent with the appropriate Mars Global Surveyor radio occultation electron densities. Both the calculated solar cycle maximum and solar cycle minimum total transterminator and escape fluxes are significantly smaller than our previously published values. This decrease is due to the improved temperature values used for the recombination rates in this new model, which in turn results in lower ion densities and lower fluxes. INDEX TERMS: 2780 Magnetospheric Physics: Solar wind interactions with unmagnetized bodies; 6026 Planetology: Comets and Small Bodies: Ionospheres— composition and chemistry; 6028 Planetology: Comets and Small Bodies: Ionospheres—structure and dynamics; 2728 Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetosheath; KEYWORDS: Mars, MHD, bow shock, ionosphere, solar wind interaction

Numerical simulation of the 12 May 1997 interplanetary CME event

Abstract: [1] Numerical three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic models are capable of predicting large-scale solar wind structures at Earth, provided that appropriate time-dependent boundary conditions are specified near the Sun. Since knowledge of such conditions is at present insufficient to directly drive the models, various approximations are used. In this paper, we introduce the main features and approximations of a numerical model where (1) the ambient solar wind is derived from coronal models utilizing photospheric magnetic field observations and (2) transient disturbances are derived from geometrical and kinematic fitting of coronagraph observations of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We have chosen the well-defined halo-CME event of 12 May 1997 as our initial event because it is characterized by a relatively quiet solar and interplanetary background into which the ejecta was launched. The numerical simulation has enabled us to predict the arrival of the shock and ejecta and provided us with a global picture of transient disturbance interacting with a moderately fast solar wind stream.

Magnetic reconnection and mass acceleration in flare-coronal mass ejection events

Abstract: An observational relationship has been well established among magnetic reconnection, high-energy flare emissions and the rising motion of erupting flux ropes. In this paper, we verify that the rate of magnetic reconnection in the low corona is temporally correlated with the evolution of flare nonthermal emissions in hard X-rays and microwaves, all reaching their peak values during the rising phase of the soft X-ray emission. In addition, however, our new observations reveal a temporal correlation between the magnetic reconnection rate and the directly observed acceleration of the accompanying coronal mass ejection (CME) and filament in the low corona, thus establishing a correlation with the rising flux rope. These results are obtained by examining two well-observed two-ribbon flare events, for which we have good measurements of the rise motion of filament eruption and CMEs associated with the flares. By measuring the magnetic flux swept through by flare ribbons as they separate in the lower atmosphere, we infer the magnetic reconnection rate in terms of the reconnection electric field Erec inside the reconnecting current sheet (RCS) and the rate of magnetic flux convected into the diffusion region. For the X1.6 flare event, the inferred Erec is ~5.8 V cm-1 and the peak mass acceleration is ~3 km s-2, while for the M1.0 flare event Erec is ~0.5 V cm-1 and the peak mass acceleration is 0.2-0.4 km s-2.

Extremely high speed solar wind: 29–30 October 2003

Abstract: [1] On 29-30 October 2003 the Solar Wind Electron Proton Alpha Monitor (SWEPAM) instrument on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft measured solar wind speeds in excess of 1850 km/s, some of the highest speeds ever directly measured in the solar wind. These speeds were observed following two large coronal mass ejection (CME) driven shocks. Surprisingly, despite the unusually high speeds, many of the other solar wind parameters were not particularly unusual in comparison with other large transient events. The magnetic field reached -68 nT, a large but not unprecedented value. The proton temperatures were significantly higher than typical for a CME in the solar wind at 1 AU (>10 7 K), but the proton densities were moderate, leading to low to moderate proton beta. The solar wind dynamic pressure was not unusual for large events but, when coupled with the large negative B z , was sufficient to cause intense geomagnetic disturbances.

Energetic particles and corotating interaction regions in the solar wind

Abstract: This paper reviews three important effects on energetic particles of corotating interaction regions (CIRs) in the solar wind that are formed at the leading edges of high-speed solar wind streams originating in coronal holes. A brief overview of CIRs and their important features is followed by a discussion of CIR-associated modulations in the galactic cosmic ray intensity, with an emphasis on observations made by spacecraft particle telescope 'anti-coincidence' guards. Such guards combine high counting rates (hundreds of counts/s) and a lower rigidity response than neutron monitors to provide detailed information on the relationship between cosmic ray modulations and CIR structure. The modulation of Jovian electrons by CIRs is then described. Finally, the acceleration of ions to energies of ∼ 20 MeV/n in the vicinity of CIRs is reviewed. Corotating interaction regions (CIRs) are regions of compressed plasma formed at the leading edges of corotating high-speed solar wind streams originating in coronal holes as they interact with the preceding slow solar wind. They are par- ticularly prominent features of the solar wind during the declining and minimum phases of the 11-year solar cycle, but may also be present at times of higher solar activity, interspersed with slow solar wind and transient flows associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) (e.g., Richardson, Cane, and Cliver, 2002). This paper reviews three important effects of CIRs on energetic particles in the heliosphere. The first effect is the tendency for the galactic cosmic ray intensity to be depressed temporarily ('modulated') during the passage of a CIR and high- speed stream. This phenomenon has been studied for many years, typically using ground-based neutron monitors. However, the emphasis in this review is on obser- vations made in the inner heliosphere and near the Earth by the 'anti-coincidence' guards of certain spacecraft particle telescopes. Such guards combine a large de- tector volume and integral energy response (> several tens of MeV) to give high counting rates (hundreds of counts/s) which can provide detailed information on the relationship between cosmic ray modulations and CIR structure. The observa-

Solar Wind-Induced Atmospheric Erosion at Mars: First Results from ASPERA-3 on Mars Express

Abstract: The Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA) on board the Mars Express spacecraft found that solar wind plasma and accelerated ionospheric ions may be observed all the way down to the Mars Express pericenter of 270 kilometers above the dayside planetary surface. This is very deep in the ionosphere, implying direct exposure of the martian topside atmosphere to solar wind plasma forcing. The low-altitude penetration of solar wind plasma and the energization of ionospheric plasma may be due to solar wind irregularities or perturbations, to magnetic anomalies at Mars, or both.

Kinematic treatment of coronal mass ejection evolution in the solar wind

Abstract: We present a kinematic study of the evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the solar wind. Specifically, we consider the effects of (1) spherical expansion and (2) uniform expansion due to pressure gradients between the interplanetary CME (ICME) and the ambient solar wind. We compare these results with an MHD model that allows us to isolate these effects h m the combined kinematic and dynamical effects, which are included in MHD models. They also provide compelling evidence that the fundamental cross section of so-called "force-free" flux ropes (or magnetic clouds) is neither circular or elliptical, but rather a convex-outward, "pancake" shape. We apply a force-free fit to the magnetic vectors from the MHD simulation to assess how the distortion of the flux rope affects the fit. In spite of these limitations, force-free fits, which are straightforward to apply, do provide an important description of a number of parameters, including the radial dimension, orientation, and chirality of the ICME. Subject headings: MHD - solar wind - Sun: activity - Sun: corona - Sun: coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - On-line material color figures Sun: magnetic fields

Identification of interplanetary coronal mass ejections at 1 AU using multiple solar wind plasma composition anomalies

Abstract: We investigate the use of multiple simultaneous solar wind plasma compositional anomalies, relative to the composition of the ambient solar wind, for identifying interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) plasma. We first summarize the characteristics of several solar wind plasma composition signatures (O(+7)/O(+6), Mg/O, Ne/O, Fe charge states, He/p) observed by the ACE and WIND spacecraft within the ICMEs during 1996 - 2002 identsed by Cane and Richardson. We then develop a set of simple criteria that may be used to identify such compositional anomalies, and hence potential ICMEs. To distinguish these anomalies from the normal variations seen in ambient solar wind composition, which depend on the wind speed, we compare observed compositional signatures with those 'expected' in ambient solar wind with the same solar wind speed. This method identifies anomalies more effectively than the use of fixed thresholds. The occurrence rates of individual composition anomalies within ICMEs range from approx. 70% for enhanced iron and oxygen charge states to approx. 30% for enhanced He/p (> 0.06) and Ne/O, and are generally higher in magnetic clouds than other ICMEs. Intervals of multiple anomalies are usually associated with ICMEs, and provide a basis for the identification of the majority of ICMEs. We estimate that Cane and Richardson, who did not refer to composition data, probably identitied approx. 90% of the ICMEs present. However, around 10% of their ICMEs have weak compositional anomalies, suggesting that the presence of such signatures does not provide a necessary requirement for an ICME. We note a remarkably similar correlation between the Mg/O and O(7)/O(6) ratios in hourly-averaged data both within ICMEs and the ambient solar wind. This 'universal' relationship suggests that a similar process (such as minor ion heating by waves inside coronal magnetic field loops) produces the first-ionization potential bias and ion freezing-in temperatures in the source regions of both ICMEs and the ambient solar wind.

The Solar Mass-Ejection Imager (SMEI) Mission

Abstract: We have launched into near-Earth orbit a solar mass-ejection imager (SMEI) that is capable of measuring sunlight Thomson-scattered from heliospheric electrons from elongations to as close as 18∘ to greater than 90∘ from the Sun. SMEI is designed to observe time-varying heliospheric brightness of objects such as coronal mass ejections, co-rotating structures and shock waves. The instrument evolved from the heliospheric imaging capability demonstrated by the zodiacal light photometers of the Helios spacecraft. A near-Earth imager can provide up to three days warning of the arrival of a mass ejection from the Sun. In combination with other imaging instruments in deep space, or alone by making some simple assumptions about the outward flow of the solar wind, SMEI can provide a three-dimensional reconstruction of the surrounding heliospheric density structures.

Solar and interplanetary sources of major geomagnetic storms during 1996–2002

Abstract: [1] During the 7-year period of the current solar cycle, 64 geoeffective coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were found to produce major geomagnetic storms (DST < � 100 nT) at the Earth. In this paper we examine solar and interplanetary properties of these geoeffective coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The observations reveal that full-halo CMEs are potential sources of intense geomagnetic activity at the Earth. However, not all fullhalo CMEs give rise to major geomagnetic storms, which complicates the task of space weather forecasting. We examine solar origins of the geoeffective CMEs and their interplanetary effects, namely, solar wind speed, interplanetary shocks, and the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field, in order to investigate the relationship between the solar and interplanetary parameters. In particular, the present study aims at ascertaining solar parameters that govern important interplanetary parameters responsible for producing major geomagnetic storms. Our investigation shows that fast full-halo CMEs associated with strong flares and originating from a favorable location, i.e., close to the central meridian and low and middle latitudes, are the most potential candidates for producing strong ram pressure at the Earth’s magnetosphere and hence intense geomagnetic storms. The results also show that the intensity of geomagnetic storms depends most strongly on the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field, followed by the initial speed of the CME and the ram pressure. INDEX TERMS: 7513 Solar Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy: Coronal mass ejections; 2784 Magnetospheric Physics: Solar wind/ magnetosphere interactions; 2788 Magnetospheric Physics: Storms and substorms; 2139 Interplanetary Physics: Interplanetary shocks; KEYWORDS: CME, halo CMEs, IP shocks, solar wind, geomagnetic storms, DST index

The Role of Magnetic Reconnection in the Observable Features of Solar Eruptions

Abstract: There are two competing classes of models for coronal mass ejections (CMEs): those that assume a preexisting magnetic flux rope and those that can make a flux rope during the eruption by magnetic reconnection. The present work is based on the model with a preexisting flux rope. We investigate the evolution of morphological features of the magnetic configuration in a CME according to a catastrophe model of flux rope CMEs developed previously. For the parameters chosen for the present work, roughly half of the total mass and magnetic flux are contained in the initial flux rope, while the remaining plasma and poloidal magnetic flux are brought by magnetic reconnection from the corona into the current sheet and from there into the CME bubble. These features and the corresponding physical processes are identical to those described by the non-flux rope models. Thus, the flux rope and non-flux rope models are less distinct than is generally assumed. The reconnected magnetic flux can account for the rapid expansion of the ejecta, and the plasma flowing out of the current sheet fills the outer shell of the ejecta. We tentatively identify the outer shell, the expanded bubble, and the flux rope with the leading edge, void, and core of the three-component CME structure, respectively. Thus, the final mass, speed, and magnetic energy—the quantities that determine the geoeffectiveness of the CME—are determined not in the initial eruption but during the CME expansion, at heights of a few solar radii. The aspects of this explanation that need improvement are also discussed.

A Global Picture of CMEs in the Inner Heliosphere

Abstract: This is an overview of Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the heliosphere with an observational bias towards remote sensing by coronagraphs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the results from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission which has produced high quality CME data uniform and continuos over the longest stretch ever. After summarizing the morphological, physical, and statistical properties of CMEs, a discussion on the phenomena associated with them is presented. These are the various manifestations of CMEs observed at different wavelengths and the accompanying phenomena such as shocks and solar energetic particles that provide information to build a complete picture of CMEs. Implications of CMEs for the evolution of the global solar magnetic field are presented. CMEs in the heliosphere are then discussed including out-of-the-ecliptic observations from Ulysses and the possibility of a 22-year cycle of cosmic ray modulation by CMEs. After outlining some of the outstanding questions, a summary of the chapter is provided.

Three‐dimensional MHD simulation of a flux rope driven CME

Abstract: [1] We present a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model, describing the time-dependent expulsion of plasma and magnetic flux from the solar corona that resembles a coronal mass ejection (CME). We begin by developing a global steady-state model of the corona and solar wind that gives a reasonable description of the solar wind conditions near solar minimum. The model magnetic field possesses high-latitude coronal holes and closed field lines at low latitudes in the form of a helmet streamer belt with a current sheet at the solar equator. We further reproduce the fast and slow speed solar wind at high and low latitudes, respectively. Within this steady-state heliospheric model, conditions for a CME are created by superimposing the magnetic field and plasma density of the 3-D Gibson-Low flux rope inside the coronal streamer belt. The CME is launched by initial force imbalance within the flux rope resulting in its rapid acceleration to a speed of over 1000 km/s and then decelerates, asymptotically approaching a final speed near 600 km/s. The CME is characterized by the bulk expulsion of ∼1016 g of plasma from the corona with a maximum of ∼5 × 1031 ergs of kinetic energy. This energy is derived from the free magnetic energy associated with the cross-field currents, which is released as the flux rope expands. The dynamics of the CME are followed as it interacts with the bimodal solar wind. We also present synthetic white-light coronagraph images of the model CME, which show a two-part structure that can be compared with coronagraph observations of CMEs.

Observable Properties of the Breakout Model for Coronal Mass Ejections

Abstract: We compare the "magnetic breakout" model for coronal mass ejections (CMEs) with observed general properties of CMEs by analyzing in detail recent high-resolution MHD simulations of a complete breakout CME. The model produces an eruption with a three-part plasma density structure that shows a bright circular rim outlining a dark central cavity in synthetic coronagraphic images of total brightness. The model also yields height-time profiles similar to most three-part CMEs, but the eruption speed by 2.5 R☉ is of order the Alfven speed, indicative of a fast CME. We show that the evolution of the posteruptive flare loop and chromospheric ribbons determined from the model are in agreement with observations of long-duration flares, and we propose an explanation for the long-standing observation that flares have an impulsive and gradual phase. A helical magnetic flux rope is generated during eruption and is consistent with a large class of interplanetary CME observations. The magnetic fields in this flux rope are well approximated by the Lundquist solution when the ejecta are at 15 R☉ and beyond. Furthermore, the interior density structure of the magnetic flux rope appears to have some of the basic features of an "average" magnetic cloud profile at 1 AU. Future simulation improvements and more stringent observational tests are discussed.

Direct and Indirect Thermospheric Heating Sources for Solar Cycles 21–23

Abstract: Solar variability is often cast in terms of radiative emission and the associated long-term climate response; however, growing societal reliance on technology is creating more interest in day-to-day solar variability. This variability is associated with both solar radiative and solar wind emissions. In this paper we explore the combined effects of radiative and solar wind fluctuations at Earth. The fluctuations in radiative and geomagnetic power create an extended interval of solar maximum for the upper atmosphere. We use a trio of empirical models to estimate, over the last three solar cycles, the relative contributions of solar extreme ultraviolet (UV) power, Joule power, and particle kinetic power to the Earth’s upper atmosphere energy budget. Daily power values are derived from three source models. The SOLAR2000 solar irradiance specification model provides estimates of the daily extreme and far UV solar power input. Geomagnetic power is derived from a combination of satellite-estimated particle precipitation power and an empirical model of Joule power from hemispherically integrated estimates of high-latitude energy deposition. During the interval 1975 to 2003, the average daily contributions were: particles – 36 GW, Joule – 95 GW and solar – 464 GW for a total of 595 GW. Solar wind-driven geomagnetic power provided 22% of the total global upper atmospheric energy. In the top 15 power events, geomagnetic power contributed two-thirds of the total power budget. In each of these events, Joule power alone exceeded solar power. With rising activity, Joule power becomes the most variable element of solar upper atmosphere interactions.

Deflection of coronal mass ejection in the interplanetary medium

Abstract: A solar coronal mass ejection (CME) is a large-scale eruption of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun. It is believed to be the main source of strong interplanetary disturbances that may cause intense geomagnetic storms. However, not all front-side halo CMEs can encounter the Earth and produce geomagnetic storms. The longitude distribution of the Earth-encountered front-side halo CMEs (EFHCMEs) has not only an east–west (E–W) asymmetry (Wang et al., 2002), but also depends on the EFHCMEs' transit speeds from the Sun to 1 AU. The faster the EFHCMEs are, the more westward does their distribution shift, and as a whole, the distribution shifts to the west. Combining the observational results and a simple kinetic analysis, we believe that such E–W asymmetry appearing in the source longitude distribution is due to the deflection of CMEs' propagation in the interplanetary medium. Under the effect of the Parker spiral magnetic field, a fast CME will be blocked by the background solar wind ahead and deflected to the east, whereas a slow CME will be pushed by the following background solar wind and deflected to the west. The deflection angle may be estimated according to the CMEs' transit speed by using a kinetic model. It is shown that slow CMEs can be deflected more easily than fast ones. This is consistent with the observational results obtained by Zhang et al. (2003), that all four Earth-encountered limb CMEs originated from the east. On the other hand, since the most of the EFHCMEs are fast events, the range of the longitude distribution given by the theoretical model is E40°,W70°, which is well consistent with the observational results (E40°,W75°).

Eruption of a Multiple-Turn Helical Magnetic Flux Tube in a Large Flare: Evidence for External and Internal Reconnection that Fits the Breakout Model of Solar Magnetic Eruptions

Abstract: We present observations and an interpretation of a unique multiple-turn spiral flux tube eruption from AR10030 on 2002 July 15. The TRACE CIV observations clearly show a flux tube that is helical and that is erupting from within a sheared magnetic field. These observations are interpreted in the context of the breakout model for magnetic field explosions. The initiation of the helix eruption starts 25 seconds after the peak of the flare s strongest impulsive spike of microwave gryosynchrotron radiation early in the flare s explosive phase, implying that the sheared core field is not the site of the initial reconnection. Within the quadrupolar configuration of the active region, the external and internal reconnection sites are identified in each of two consecutive eruptive flares that produce a double CME. The first external breakout reconnection apparently releases an underlying sheared core field and allows it to erupt, leading to internal reconnection in the wake of the erupting helix. This internal reconnection heats the two-ribbon flare and might or might not produce the helix. These events lead to the first CME and are followed by a second breakout that initiates a second and larger halo CME. The strong magnetic shear in the region is associated with rapid proper motion and evolution of the active region. The multiple-turn helix originates from above a sheared-field magnetic inversion line within a filament channel, and starts to erupt only after fast breakout reconnection has started. These observations are counter to the standard flare model and support the breakout model for eruptive flare initiation. However, the observations are compatible with internal reconnection in a sheared magnetic arcade in the formation and eruption of the helix.

On the relation between filament eruptions, flares, and coronal mass ejections

Abstract: We present a statistical study of 106 filament eruptions, which were automatically detected by a pattern recognition program implemented at Big Bear Solar Observatory using Hα full-disk data from 1999 to 2003 We compare these events with Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite soft X-ray time profiles, solar-geophysical data (SGD) solar event reports, Michelson Doppler Imager magnetograms, and Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) data to determine the relationship between filament eruptions and other phenomena of solar activity (1) Excluding eight events with no corresponding LASCO data, 55% or 56% of 98 events were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) (2) Active region filament eruptions have a considerably higher flare association rate of 95% compared to quiescent filament eruptions with 27%, but a comparable CME association rate, namely, 43% for active region filament eruptions and 54% for quiescent filament eruptions (3) 54% or 68% of 80 disk events were associated with new flux emergence In addition, we derived the sign of magnetic helicity and the orientation of the magnetic field associated with seven halo CMEs and demonstrated that the geoeffectiveness of a halo CME can be predicted by these two parameters

Observational Consequences of a Magnetic Flux Rope Emerging into the Corona

Abstract: We show that a numerical simulation of a magnetic flux rope emerging into a coronal magnetic field predicts solar structures and dynamics consistent with observations. We first consider the structure, evolution, and relative location and orientation of S-shaped, or sigmoid, active regions and filaments. The basic assumptions are that (1) X-ray sigmoids appear at the regions of the flux rope known as ‘‘bald-patch‐associated separatrix surfaces (BPSSs), where, under dynamic forcing, current sheets can form, leading to reconnection and localized heating, and that (2) filaments are regions of enhanced density contained within dips in the magnetic flux rope. We demonstrate that the shapes and relative orientations and locations of the BPSS and dipped field are consistent with observations of X-ray sigmoids and their associated filaments. Moreover, we show that current layers indeed form along the sigmoidal BPSS as the flux rope is driven by the kink instability. Finally, we consider how apparent horizontal motions of magnetic elements at the photosphere caused by the emerging flux rope might be interpreted. In particular, we show that local correlation tracking analysis of a time series of magnetograms for our simulation leads to an underestimate of the amount of magnetic helicity transported into the corona by the flux rope, largely because of undetectable twisting motions along the magnetic flux surfaces. Observations of rotating sunspots may provide better information about such rotational motions, and we show that if we consider the separated flux rope legs as proxies for fully formed sunspots, the amount of rotation that would be observed before the region becomes kink unstable would be in the range 40 � ‐200 � per leg/sunspot, consistent with observations.