Multipoint Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections Observed with Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, Parker Solar Probe, Wind, and STEREO-A

Abstract

We report the result of the first search for multipoint in situ and imaging observations of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) starting with the first Solar Orbiter (SolO) data in 2020 April–2021 April. A data exploration analysis is performed including visualizations of the magnetic-field and plasma observations made by the five spacecraft SolO, BepiColombo, Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Wind, and STEREO-A, in connection with coronagraph and heliospheric imaging observations from STEREO-A/SECCHI and SOHO/LASCO. We identify ICME events that could be unambiguously followed with the STEREO-A heliospheric imagers during their interplanetary propagation to their impact at the aforementioned spacecraft and look for events where the same ICME is seen in situ by widely separated spacecraft. We highlight two events: (1) a small streamer blowout CME on 2020 June 23 observed with a triple lineup by PSP, BepiColombo and Wind, guided by imaging with STEREO-A, and (2) the first fast CME of solar cycle 25 (≈1600 km s−1) on 2020 November 29 observed in situ by PSP and STEREO-A. These results are useful for modeling the magnetic structure of ICMEs and the interplanetary evolution and global shape of their flux ropes and shocks, and for studying the propagation of solar energetic particles. The combined data from these missions are already turning out to be a treasure trove for space-weather research and are expected to become even more valuable with an increasing number of ICME events expected during the rise and maximum of solar cycle 25.

A Coronal Mass Ejection and Magnetic Ejecta Observed In Situ by STEREO-A and Wind at 55$^\circ$ Angular Separation

“…Based on the in situ measurements, this is possibly the same CME being measured at both spacecraft, a conclusion reached in the database of Möstl et al (2022), who additionally support the connection with heliospheric imaging by STEREO-A/SECCHI. In particular, both spacecraft measure a south-to-north rotation of the magnetic field (B N from negative to positive) and the start times of the ME are only ∼ 3 hours apart at both spacecraft.…”

“…While the CME is clearly observed in STEREO-A/HI (e.g., see Möstl et al 2022), we focus here primarily on the drag-based modeling (DBM) of its transit. In general, the results from single-spacecraft fitting of the CME leading edge based on the STEREO-A heliospheric imager (HIA) data of φ HIA = −26 • longitude are consistent with the GCS direction, and the average speed of the CME nose in the STEREO-A/HI field of v = 423 km s −1 points to a clear deceleration as the CME propagates into interplanetary space (Möstl et al 2022).…”

“…While the CME is clearly observed in STEREO-A/HI (e.g., see Möstl et al 2022), we focus here primarily on the drag-based modeling (DBM) of its transit. In general, the results from single-spacecraft fitting of the CME leading edge based on the STEREO-A heliospheric imager (HIA) data of φ HIA = −26 • longitude are consistent with the GCS direction, and the average speed of the CME nose in the STEREO-A/HI field of v = 423 km s −1 points to a clear deceleration as the CME propagates into interplanetary space (Möstl et al 2022). However, any information about the CME kinematics comes with relatively significant uncertainties due to the single viewpoint with the lack of STEREO-B and the direction of propagation close to the Sun-STEREO-A line, making any physical deceleration harder to distinguish from the apparent acceleration (Lugaz & Kintner 2013).…”

CMEs and SEPs During November-December 2020: A Challenge for Real-Time Space Weather Forecasting

“…As to in-situ measurements, it is clear that the availability of multi-point observers at different radial distances and heliolongitudes is crucial for analysing and validating modelling results across the entire inner heliosphere. Given the presence of currently-operational spacecraft at six independent locations (i.e., the ones explored in this work), it is important to consider the future opportunities for heliophysics and space weather science via multi-point studies and coordinated observations (e.g., Hadid et al, 2021;Möstl et al, 2022;Velli et al, 2020). In conclusion, the potential for significant progress in heliophysics and space weather science will be realised as future studies increasingly utilise the multi-spacecraft capabilities of the Heliophysics System Observatory.…”

“…Both commenced from the same source region, AR 12790, which was still behind the Earth-facing eastern limb at the time of Flare1, indicating that its "true" X-ray class might have been even higher than observed. The first of these eruptions has already gained significant attention, since it was associated with the first widespread SEP event of Solar Cycle 25 and with a CME detected in situ by the Parker Solar Probe and STEREO-A spacecraft (e.g., Cohen et al, 2021;Giacalone et al, 2021;Kollhoff et al, 2021;Kouloumvakos et al, 2022;Lario et al, 2021;Mason et al, 2021;Mitchell et al, 2021;Möstl et al, 2022;Nieves-Chinchilla et al, 2022). The configurations of planets and spacecraft within the orbit of Mars on the days of the two flares are shown in Figure 1.…”