Propagation of an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection in three dimensions

Area of Science:

• Space Physics
• Heliophysics
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) significantly impact Earth's space weather.
• The 3D propagation and evolution of CMEs through the heliosphere are not fully understood.
• Previous studies faced challenges in reconstructing the true 3D structure of CMEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a new technique for reconstructing the full 3D structure of CME fronts.
• To quantify the trajectory, angular width, and propagation of a CME in the heliosphere.
• To determine the physical mechanisms governing CME motion and predict their arrival time at Earth.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel elliptical tie-pointing technique for 3D CME reconstruction.
• Quantified CME trajectory, angular width, and propagation distance (2 to 46 AU).
• Employed 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using reconstructed CME data as input.

Main Results:

• Successfully reconstructed a full CME front in 3D.
• Quantified the CME's deflected trajectory from high latitudes along the ecliptic.
• Measured increasing angular width and propagation up to 0.2 AU.
• Identified aerodynamic drag in the solar wind as a key factor in CME motion beyond 7 AU.

Conclusions:

• The new 3D reconstruction technique enables detailed analysis of CME dynamics.
• Aerodynamic drag significantly influences CME propagation in the heliosphere.
• Accurate CME arrival times at Earth can be predicted using this method, improving space weather forecasting.