Study of the recurring dimming region detected at AR 11305 using the Coronal Dimming Tracker (CoDiT)

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new coronal dimming detection tool, CoDiT, enabling detailed tracking of recurrent dimming regions and their relation to solar eruptions, enhancing understanding of magnetic reconfiguration during CMEs.

Contribution

The study presents CoDiT, a novel high-cadence tracking method for coronal dimmings, and applies it to analyze recurrent dimmings and their connection to flares and CMEs.

Findings

Dimming regions repeatedly appear and evolve similarly during eruptions.

Dimming size correlates with flare magnitude and CME mass.

Recurrent dimmings may be explained by interchange reconnection.

Abstract

We present a new approach to coronal dimming detection using the COronal DImming Tracker tool (CODIT), which was found to be successful in locating and tracking multiple dimming regions. This tool, an extension of a previously developed coronal hole tracking software, allows us to study the prop- erties and the spatial evolution of dimming regions at high temporal and spatial cadence from the time of their appearance to their disappearance. We use the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly 193 A wavelength observations and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager to study dimmings. As a demonstration of the detection technique we analyzed six recurrences of a dimming observed near AR 11305 between 2011 September 29 and October 2. The dimming repeatedly ap- peared and formed in a similar way, first expanding then shrinking and occasionally stabilizing in the same location until the next eruption. The dimming areas were studied in conjunction with the corre- sponding flare magnitudes and coronal mass ejection (CME) masses. These properties were found to follow a similar trend during the observation period, which is consistent with the idea that the mag- nitude of the eruption and the CME mass affect the relative sizes of the consecutive dimmings. We also present a hypothesis to explain the evolution of the recurrent single dimming through interchange reconnection. This process would accommodate the relocation of quasi-open magnetic field lines and hence allow the CME flux rope footpoint (the dimming) to expand into quiet Sun regions. By relating the properties of dimmings, flares, and CMEs we improve our understanding of the magnetic field reconfiguration caused by reconnection.