The CME Initiation Mechanism
Abstract
The kink and torus instabilities in a magnetic flux rope are the most popular mechanisms used to explain coronal mass ejections (CMEs). However, these instabilities apply to idealised magnetic field configurations, which may not match conditions on the Sun, and they occur in ideal MHD, so they do not explain the dissipation in the flare associated with the CME. In the standard (CHSKP) flare model dissipation is attributed to secondary processes, but this presents additional problems. Finally, even if these mechanisms operate, it is necessary to explain how the system becomes unstable. This talk presents a review of our current understanding of CME initiation, based on recent observations, theory, simulation, and results from laboratory plasma experiments.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E.995W