Initiation of Coronal Mass Ejections by Changes in Photospheric Flux
Abstract
We investigate the effect of changes in photospheric magnetic fields on the stability of helmet streamers and active region arcades. Changes in the magnetic flux in the vicinity of the neutral line can lead to disruption, with liberation of a significant fraction of the stored magnetic energy. When the amount of emerged flux is below a threshold, a stable equilibrium with a filament results. When the threshold is exceeded, the configuration erupts and leaves the Sun with a substantial amount of kinetic energy. This mechanism is a promising trigger for launching CMEs.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #194
- Pub Date:
- May 1999
- Bibcode:
- 1999AAS...194.5906M