High resolution multi-viewpoint observations of CME kinematics and dynamics

Abstract

<p>Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are impulsive outbursts of coronal plasma bound in magnetic structures. Their initiation and evolution into the heliosphere covers several orders of magnitude of temporal and spatial scales that can be observed with space-borne extreme ultraviolet imagers, coronagraphs and heliospheric imagers. In this work we present a systematic investigation of the early dynamics of CMEs including their kinematics, orientation and geometrical evolution. For this purpose, a dedicated set of 21 Earth-directed CMEs between July 2011 and November 2012 was selected and analyzed. The CME parametrization is obtained by applying a 3D modelling method, the Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS) model, to simultaneous multi-viewpoint observations taken with the SECCHI instrument suite onboard the twin STEREO spacecraft and with the LASCO coronagraphs onboard the SOHO satellite. By using these instruments, the CME dynamics including the kinematics and geometry, are covered in high detail over a wide spatial range. For the majority of events it started in the field of view of EUVI below 2 solar radii and extended into the field of view of HI1 up to 100 solar radii. The results reveal interactions of the CMEs with the ambient solar wind. CME deflections of up to 31° in longitude and 18° in latitude were measured within the first 30 solar radii. Furthermore, evidence of CME oscillations with periods between 29 and 93 minutes were found. The analysis provides important implications for more reliable space weather forecasts and further analysis through the new observations from Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter.</p><p> </p>