The Coronal Mass of Solar Active Regions
Abstract
The material contained in coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that originate from active regions is believed to be provided by the mass in the active region itself. This loss of mass is exhibited by coronal dimmings. Previous estimates of the lost mass have depended on assumptions about the volume or density of the ejected material. The Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on Hinode has the ability to measure both emission measures and electron densities and provide a better measure of the coronal mass in active regions.
The technique for determining the coronal mass from EIS measurements is described and applied to several active regions. The mass lost during a CME eruption is calculated and compared to measurements of the mass of a typical range of CMEs. One of the questions that can be addressed is whether a CME accumulates or loses mass during its passage through the heliosphere.- Publication:
-
AAS/Solar Physics Division Meeting #40
- Pub Date:
- May 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009SPD....40.3702D