A flux emergence model for solar eruptions

TL;DR

This paper models the 3D emergence of twisted flux tubes in the Sun, revealing multiple flux rope formations and eruptions driven by internal reconnection, contributing to understanding solar eruptions.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed 3D simulation of flux emergence showing multiple flux rope formations and eruptions due to internal reconnection, advancing solar eruption models.

Findings

Multiple flux ropes form and erupt inside emerging flux systems.

Reconnection occurs between highly sheared fieldlines at photospheric heights.

Some eruptions escape into the corona, others are confined.

Abstract

We have simulated the 3D emergence and interaction of two twisted flux tubes, which rise from the interior into the outer atmosphere of the Sun. We present evidence for the multiple formation and eruption of flux ropes inside the emerging flux systems and hot arcade-like structures in between them. Their formation is due to internal reconnection, occurring between oppositely directed, highly stretched and sheared fieldlines at photospheric heights. Most of the eruptions escape into the corona, but some are confined and fade away without leaving the low atmosphere. As these flux ropes erupt, new reconnected fieldlines accumulate around the main axis of the initial magnetic flux systems. We also show the complex 3D fieldline geometry and the structure of the multiple current sheets, which form as a result of the reconnection between the emerging flux systems.