Driving Currents for Flux Rope Coronal Mass Ejections

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to measure the electrical currents within flux rope structures in solar coronal mass ejections, providing insights into the forces driving these solar phenomena.

Contribution

The study presents a novel approach to estimate the electrical currents in CME flux ropes using observational data, advancing understanding of CME propulsion mechanisms.

Findings

Upper limits on CME currents are around 10^10 Amperes.

Estimated magnetic flux in CMEs is a few times 10^21 Mx.

Method enables direct measurement of currents driving CMEs.

Abstract

We present a method for measuring electrical currents enclosed by flux rope structures that are ejected within solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Such currents are responsible for providing the Lorentz self-force that propels CMEs. Our estimates for the driving current are based on measurements of the propelling force obtained using data from the LASCO coronagraphs aboard the SOHO satellite. We find that upper limits on the currents enclosed by CMEs are typically around $10^{10}$ Amperes. We estimate that the magnetic flux enclosed by the CMEs in the LASCO field of view is a few $\times 10^{21}$ Mx.