Coronal mass ejections: origins, evolution, and role in spaceweather

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are an important element of coronal and interplanetary dynamics. They can inject large amounts of mass and magnetic fields into the heliosphere, causing major geomagnetic storms and interplanetary shocks, which are a key source of solar energetic particles (E>1 MeV). Until recently, our understanding of the origins and early development of CMEs at the Sun was very limited. We knew that CMEs were frequently associated with erupting prominences and long-enduring X-ray arcades, but our physical understanding of how and why CMEs are initiated was poor. However, recent studies using the excellent data sets from the Yohkoh, SOHO, Wind, ACE and other spacecraft and ground-based instruments have improved our knowledge of the mass ejection process and how it effects space weather. The author reviews some of the well-determined coronal properties of CMEs, what is known about their source regions, and what their manifestations are in the solar wind. One exciting new type of observation is of halo-like CMEs, which suggest the launch of a geoeffective disturbance toward Earth. Several studies have shown a good correspondence between halo CMEs accompanied by near-sun center surface activity and subsequent magnetic clouds and geomagnetic storms at earth. In addition, halo CMEs are important for understanding the internal structure of CMEs since their source regions are near Sun center and near-earth spacecraft may be likely to sample material along their central axes     

Geomagnetically Induced Currents: Principles

The geospace, or the space environment near Earth, is constantly subjected to changes in the solar wind flow generated at the Sun. The study of this environment variability is called Space Weather. Examples of effects resulting from this variability are the occurrence of powerful solar disturbances, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The impact of CMEs on the Earth’s magnetosphere very often greatly perturbs the geomagnetic field causing the occurrence of geomagnetic storms. Such extremely variable geomagnetic fields trigger geomagnetic effects measurable not only in the geospace but also in the ionosphere, upper atmosphere, and on and in the ground. For example, during extreme cases, rapidly changing geomagnetic fields generate intense geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). Intense GICs can cause dramatic effects on man-made technological systems, such as damage to high-voltage power transmission transformers leading to interruption of power supply, and/or corrosion of oil and gas pipelines. These space weather effects can in turn lead to severe economic losses. In this paper, we supply the reader with theoretical concepts related to GICs as well as their general consequences. As an example, we discuss the GIC effects on a North American power grid located in mid-latitude regions during the 13–14 March 1989 extreme geomagnetic storm. That was the most extreme storm that occurred in the space era age.     

Dependence of Forbush-decrease magnitudes on parameters of solar eruptions

By data of the 23^rd solar cycle, it is shown that close statistical relations exist between quantitative parameters of dimmings and arcades caused by solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs), on the one hand, and magnitudes of non-recurrent Forbush-decreases of the galactic cosmic ray flux, as well as the propagation time of disturbances from the Sun to the Earth, on the other hand. Parameters of dimmings and arcades, in particular their summarized magnetic flux of the prolonged field at the photospheric level, were calculated by data of the EUV SOHO/EIT telescope in the 195 Å Received results mean that the scale, characteristics, and propagation time of interplanetary disturbances to the Earth are determined to a large degree by measurable parameters of solar eruptions and may be estimated in advance by observations of dimmings and arcades in the EUV range.     

Solar energetic particles: is there time to hide?

In the large solar energetic particle (SEP) events that constitute a serious radiation hazard, particles are accelerated at shock waves driven out from the Sun by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A self-regulating mechanism of wave formation by the streaming particles limits SEP intensities early in the event. Hazardous intensities do not occur until the arrival of the shock itself. This provides an opportunity to warn astronauts to take shelter after the onset of the event at the Sun and before arrival of the shock, a time of approximately 12 h or more. The actual time history of particle intensities depends strongly on the longitude of the event at the Sun, on the width the CME, and especially on the speed of the shock. Fortunately, hazardous events are relatively rare. Unfortunately, this gives us few events to study, so we are forced to extrapolate knowledge gained at lower energies in the frequent smaller events. It is essential that the spacecraft with our best instrumentation be positioned outside the Earth's magnetosphere where they can observe these rare large events when they do occur.     

Propagation of solar cosmic rays in loop-like interplanetary magnetic field structures

Features of propagation of relativistic solar cosmic rays in magnetic clouds have been considered on the basis of model calculations. Magnetic clouds have a structure of magnetic flux ropes and are extended from the Sun to the Earth via coronal mass ejections. Features of propagation of particles of different energies in a magnetic cloud are discussed. The propagation of high-energy solar protons in the loop-like structure of the interplanetary magnetic field in the event of October 28, 2003 is analyzed.     

Analysis of Forbush decreases observed using a muon telescope in Antarctica starting on 21 June 2015

A cosmic-ray muon telescope has been collecting data since the end of 2014, which was shortly after the telescope was built in the Zhongshan Station of Antarctica. The telescope is the first observation device to be built by Chinese scientists in Antarctica. The pressure change is very strong in Zhongshan station. The count rate of the pressure correction results shows that the large variations in the count rate are likely caused by pressure fluctuations. During the period from 18 June to 22 June 2015, four halo coronal mass ejections(CMEs) were ejected from the Sun. These CMEs initiated a series of Forbush decreases(FD) when they reached the Earth. We conducted a comprehensive study of the intensity fluctuations of galactic cosmic rays recorded during FDs. The intensity fluctuations used in this study were collected by cosmic ray detectors of multiple stations(Zhongshan, McMurdo,South Polar, and Nagoya), and the solar wind measurements were collected by ACE and WIND. The profile of the FD of 22 June demonstrated a four-step decrease. The traditional one-or two-step FD classification method does not adequately explain the FD profile results. The interaction between the faster CME that occurred on 21 June 2015 and the two slow CMEs of the earlier few days should be considered. The cosmic ray intensities of the South Pole,McMurdo, and Zhongshan stations have similar hourly variations, whereas the galactic cosmic rays recorded between polar and non-polar locations are distinct. The FD pre-increase of 22 June 2015 for the Nagoya muon telescope(non-polar location) lags those of the McMurdo and Zhongshan stations(polar locations) by 1 h. The FD onset of22 June 2015 for the Nagoya muon telescope lags those of the polar locations by 1 h.     

Characteristics of Forbush Decreases Measured by the PAMELA Instrument During 2006–2014

During the several decades of Forbush decrease (FD) studies the main properties of this phenomenon were established. Today is clear that Forbush decreases originate as the responses of cosmic ray particle fluxes to solar-induced processes inside interplanetary space. Moreover the profiles of FD’s are the manifestation of the complex structure of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which are driving from the Sun and often accompanied by flares. So the investigation of FD’s is a useful tool for understanding the dynamics of CME processes and the effects they have on in the interplanetary space. Classification and theoretical interpretation of different FD’s are important for understanding the complex effect of CME’s as well as the search for new features of their behavior. Spectra of cosmic ray protons and helium nuclei obtained by the PAMELA experiment in the rigidity range between 1–15 GV were used to investigate the characteristics of Forbush decreases. Additional data on the interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind speed were taken from the ACE data center for correlation analysis. Rigidity dependences for selected Forbush decreases are also presented.

     

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their geoeffectiveness

The Sun's activity drives the variability of geospace (i.e., near-Earth environment). Observations show that the ejection of plasma from the Sun, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are the major cause of geomagnetic storms. This global-scale solar dynamical feature of coronal mass ejection was discovered almost three decades ago by the use of space-borne coronagraphs (OSO-7, Skylab/ATM and P78-1). Significant progress has been made in understanding the physical nature of the CMEs. Observations show that these global-scale CMEs have size in the order of a solar radius (~6.7×10⁵ km) near the Sun, and each event involves a mass of about 10¹⁵ g and an energy comparable to that of a large flare on the order of 10³² ergs. The radial propagation speeds of CMEs have a wide range from tens to thousands of kilometers per second. Thus, the transit time to near Earth's environment [i.e., 1 AU (astronomical unit)] can be as fast as 40 hours to 100 hours. The typical transit time for geoeffective events is ~60-80 h. This paper consists of two parts: 1) A summary of the observed CMEs from Skylab to the present SOHO will be presented. Special attention will be made to SOHO/LASCO/EIT observations and their characteristics leading to a geoeffective CME. 2) The chronological development of theory and models to interpret the physical nature of this fascinating phenomenon will be reviewed. Finally, an example will be presented to illustrate the geoeffectiveness of the CMEs by using both observation and model     

Problems in the forecasting of solar particle events for manned missions.

Manned spacecraft will require a much improved ability to forecast solar particle events. The lead time required will depend on the use to which the forecast is put. Here we discuss problems of forecasting with the lead times of hours to weeks. Such forecasts are needed for scheduling and carrying out activities. Our present capabilities with these lead times is extremely limited. To improve our capability we must develop an ability to predict fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs). It is not sufficient to observe that a CME has already taken place since by that time it is already too late to make predictions with these lead times. Both to learn how to predict CMEs and to carry out forecasts on time scales of several days to weeks, observations of the other side of the Sun are required. We describe a low-cost space mission of this type that would further the development of an hours-to-weeks forecast capability.     

太阳日冕物质抛射的磁流体力学性质

太阳是离地球最近的一颗恒星，太阳日冕物质抛射是太阳大气中最剧烈的一种活动现象．当日冕物质抛射爆发时，大量的等离子体物质从接近太阳日面的低日冕被抛出，瞬时释放出巨大的能量．当一部分这些物质和能量传播到地球附近时，可以造成短波通讯中断、卫星工作失常等破坏性现象．文章作者认为，是缠绕的太阳磁场提供了足够的能量，使这些日冕物质可以克服恒星的重力以及周边磁场的束缚抛射出来；而磁螺度在日冕中的不断积累，不仅为日冕物质抛射提供了能量基础，而且使爆发在一定程度上成为一种日冕演化的必然。     

Registering Jovian electrons in the Earth’s orbit

The results from observing Jovian electrons in the vicinity of the Earth are discussed. Variations in Jovian electron flows are observed during 14 rotations of the Sun in 2007–2008. The results are analyzed by assuming the existence of magnetic traps in the space between the Sun and Jupiter that are filled with electrons near Jupiter, and are then registered when the traps pass by the Earth. The average period of variation in the Jovian electron flow during the 14 solar rotations is 26.2 days instead of the expected synodic period of the Sun–Earth system equal to 27.3 days. An explanation for this phenomenon is proposed.     

Coronal mass ejections as a possible source of energetic electrons in interplanetary space

We study the relationship between coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the increase in the intensity of energetic (E_e>0.3 MeV) electrons in interplanetary space (IS). For analysis we used the data on the CME observations from P78-1 satellite and the events in solar energetic particles (SEP) from the Helios 1, 2, ISEE 3, and Venera 13, 14 spacecrafts in the period from 1979 to 1983. Nine SEP events were observed simultaneously at different points of the IS. We found that the time T_mn from the beginning of the solar perturbation to the maximum of energetic electron intensity J_mn, as well as the intensity J_mn itself, are statistically related to the CME velocity, and this relation is characterized by the correlation factor R ～0.6 to 0.9 for different samples of events. The correlation factors J_mn with the amplitude of thermal X-ray (X_t) radiation of flares do not exceed ～0.5 to 0.6 for the same samples. The results of the statistical approach indicate acceleration of energetic electrons at coronal shock waves initiated by CMEs.     

Study of solar features causing GMSs with 250γ<<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><400γ

The effect of solar features on geospheric conditions leading to geomagnetic storms (GMSs) with planetary index,A ^P ≥ 20 and the range of horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic fieldH such that 250γ <H < 400γ has been investigated using interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), solar wind plasma (SWP) and solar geophysical data (SGD) during the period 1978–99. Statistically, it is observed that maximum number of GMSs have occurred during the maximum solar activity years of 21st and 22nd solar cycles. A peculiar result has been observed during the years 1982, 1994 when sunspot numbers (SSNs) decrease very rapidly while numbers of GMSs increase. No distinct association between yearly occurrence of disturbed days and SSNs is observed. Maximum number of disturbed days have occurred during spring and rainy seasons showing a seasonal variation of disturbed days. No significant correlation between magnitude (intensity) of GMSs and importance ofH _α , X-ray solar flares has been observed. Maximum number of GMSs is associated with solar flares of lower importance, i.e., SF during the period 1978-93.H _α , X-ray solar flares occurred within lower helio-latitudes, i.e., (0–30)°N to (0–30)°S are associated with GMSs. NoH _α , X-ray solar flares have occurred beyond 40°N or 40°S in association with GMSs. In helio-latitude range (10–40)°N to (10–40)°S, the 89.5% concentration of active prominences and disappearing filaments (APDFs) are associated with GMSs. Maximum number of GMSs are associated with solar flares. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are related with eruptive prominences, solar flares, type IV radio burst and they occur at low helio-latitude. It is observed that CMEs related GMS events are not always associated with high speed solar wind streams (HSSWSs). In many individual events, the travel time between the explosion on the Sun and maximum activity lies between 58 and 118 h causing GMSs at the Earth.     

Sigmoids as precursors of solar eruptions

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) appear to originate preferentially in regions of the Sun's corona that are sigmoidal, i.e., have sinuous S or reverse-S shapes. Yohkoh solar X-ray images have been studied before and after a modest number of Earth-directed (halo) CMEs. These images tend to show sigmoidal shapes before the eruptions and arcades, cusps, and transient coronal holes after. Using such structures as proxies, it has been shown that there is a relationship between sigmoidal shape and tendency to erupt. Regions in the Sun's corona appear sigmoidal because their magnetic fields are twisted. Some of this twist may originate deep inside the Sun. However, it is significantly modulated by the Coriolis force and turbulent convection as this flux buoys up through the Sun's convection zone. As the result of these phenomena, and perhaps subsequent magnetic reconnection, magnetic flux ropes form. These flux ropes manifest themselves as sigmoids in the corona. Although there are fundamental reasons to expect such flux ropes to be unstable, the physics is not as simple as might first appear, and there exist various explanations for instability. Many gaps need to be filled in before the relationship between sigmoids and CMEs is well enough understood to be a useful predictive tool     

Relationship of solar activity cycles to planetary configurations

A single-valued relation of the 22-year and 11-year solar activity cycles is calculated with allowance for the minimum values of the average difference between the heliocentric longitudes of Venus, Earth, and Jupiter. The envelope curve of the minimum values of this parameter describes both conjunctions of the three planets when they are positioned in an almost straight line from the Sun (causing peak solar activity) and the far more frequent assemblies in a broader longitudinal sector (25–30 degrees) that are characterized by different combinations of planets on opposite sides of the Sun, also eliciting peak solar activity.     

On the relationship between solar flares,coronal mass ejections,and post-eruption energy release

We present and illustrate a concept that involves two basic statements: (a) solar pulse flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) are physically similar, but, generally speaking, independent phenomena, which can occur both individually and jointly, initiating each other in different cause and- effect combinations; (b) in the analysis of the relationship between the flares and CMEs one must take into account that the latter result in significant post-eruption flare-like energy release in the corona, which can be accompanied by many important phenomena including the prolonged acceleration of particles.     

Dust in the planetary system: Dust interactions in space plasmas of the solar system

Cosmic dust particles are small solid objects observed in the solar planetary system and in many astronomical objects like the surrounding of stars, the interstellar and even the intergalactic medium. In the solar system the dust is best observed and most often found within the region of the orbits of terrestrial planets where the dust interactions and dynamics are observed directly from spacecraft. Dust is observed in space near Earth and also enters the atmosphere of the Earth where it takes part in physical and chemical processes. Hence space offers a laboratory to study dust–plasma interactions and dust dynamics. A recent example is the observation of nanodust of sizes smaller than 10 nm. We outline the theoretical considerations on which our knowledge of dust electric charges in space plasmas are founded. We discuss the dynamics of the dust particles and show how the small charged particles are accelerated by the solar wind that carries a magnetic field. Finally, as examples for the space observation of cosmic dust interactions, we describe the first detection of fast nanodust in the solar wind near Earth orbit and the first bi-static observations of PMSE, the radar echoes that are observed in the Earth ionosphere in the presence of charged dust.     

High‐Precision Equation‐of‐State Formalisms for Solar and Stellar Modeling

For solar and stellar modeling, a high‐quality equation of state is crucial. In addition, however, helioseismic and asteroseismic observations put constraints on the physical formalisms. Thus they effectively turn the Sun and the stars into laboratories for dense plasmas. Currently, the main astrophysical beneficiary of a good equation of state is the seismic determination of the chemical composition of the interior of the Sun and stars (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Investigation of geoeffective and non-geoeffective CMEs according to data from the URAGAN muon hodoscope

Coronal mass ejections are the brightest manifestations of solar activity. Dozens of coronal mass ejections are observed daily during periods of higher solar activity. They directly affect cosmic ray fluxes that carry information on plasma clouds, including clouds moving toward the Earth. Several aspects of geoeffective and non-geoeffective coronal mass ejections, observed with the ground-based URAGAN muon hodoscope operated as part of the NEVOD experimental complex at MEPhI, are discussed. The anisotropy of cosmic ray muon fluxes recorded during coronal mass ejections in 2014 and 2015 is investigated.     

Cluster of solar active regions and onset of coronal mass ejections

round-the-clock solar observations with full-disk coverage of vector magnetograms and multi-wavelength images demonstrate that solar active regions(ARs) are ultimately connected with magnetic field. Often two or more ARs are clustered, creating a favorable magnetic environment for the onset of coronal mass ejections(CMEs). In this work, we describe a new type of magnetic complex: cluster of solar ARs. An AR cluster is referred to as the close connection of two or more ARs which are located in nearly the same latitude and a narrow span of longitude. We illustrate three examples of AR clusters, each of which has two ARs connected and formed a common dome of magnetic flux system. They are clusters of NOAA(i.e., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) ARs 11226 11227, 11429 11430, and 11525 11524. In these AR clusters, CME initiations were often tied to the instability of the magnetic structures connecting two partner ARs, in the form of inter-connecting loops and/or channeling filaments between the two ARs. We show the evidence that, at least, some of the flare/CMEs in an AR cluster are not a phenomenon of a single AR, but the result of magnetic interaction in the whole AR cluster. The observations shed new light on understanding the mechanism(s) of solar activity. Instead of the simple bipolar topology as suggested by the so-called standard flare model, a multi-bipolar magnetic topology is more common to host the violent solar activity in solar atmosphere.