Initiation and Propagation of Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
Abstract
This project had two main components: the a) initiation and b) propagation aspects of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun that are directed towards the Earth. In the context of stellar coronal field dynamics leading to CME initiation, the major outcomes from this project are that i) only the total amount of magnetic flux content in solar active regions and not their non-potentiality (or current content) governs coronal X-ray emission, ii) Kink-instability does seem to play an important role in the initiation of solar storms. With regard to the propagation aspects, the work done in this project has resulted in three specific outcomes -- i) an explicit demonstration of the fact that the Lorentz self-force acting on CMEs arises from misaligned currents and magnetic fields, ii) a recognition that solar wind drag on slow CMEs might only be effective for heliocentric distances greater than 60 to 80 solar radii, and iii) a clear elucidation of the role cross-field diffusion plays in mediating the interaction between galactic cosmic rays and magnetic field compressions caused by CMEs and their associated shocks near the Earth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA619978
Entities
People
- Dibyendu Nandi
- Prasad Subramanian
Organizations
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune