A model for magnetically coupled sympathetic eruptions

TL;DR

This paper presents a 3D MHD simulation revealing two magnetic trigger mechanisms for sympathetic eruptions on the Sun, explaining how one eruption can initiate another in different magnetic configurations.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel 3D MHD simulation demonstrating two magnetic trigger mechanisms for sympathetic eruptions, applicable to various solar magnetic configurations.

Findings

Simulation reproduces key features of the 2010 August 1 event.

Identifies two reconnection-based trigger mechanisms.

Provides a scenario for twin filament eruptions.

Abstract

Sympathetic eruptions on the Sun have been observed for several decades, but the mechanisms by which one eruption can trigger another one remain poorly understood. We present a 3D MHD simulation that suggests two possible magnetic trigger mechanisms for sympathetic eruptions. We consider a configuration that contains two coronal flux ropes located within a pseudo-streamer and one rope located next to it. A sequence of eruptions is initiated by triggering the eruption of the flux rope next to the streamer. The expansion of the rope leads to two consecutive reconnection events, each of which triggers the eruption of a flux rope by removing a sufficient amount of overlying flux. The simulation qualitatively reproduces important aspects of the global sympathetic event on 2010 August 1 and provides a scenario for so-called twin filament eruptions. The suggested mechanisms are applicable also for sympathetic eruptions occurring in other magnetic configurations.