Comprehensive Characterization of Solar Eruptions With Remote and In-Situ Observations, and Modeling: The Major Solar Events on 4 November 2015

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive multi-instrument and modeling approach to analyze complex solar eruptions and associated space weather phenomena, highlighting the importance of integrated observations for understanding SEP events.

Contribution

It demonstrates the necessity of combining remote and in-situ data with modeling to study solar eruptions, using detailed analysis of events on 4 November 2015 as a case study.

Findings

Identified similarities and differences in solar eruptions despite similar interplanetary conditions.

Highlighted the limitations of current models in explaining all observed phenomena.

Suggested new ideas for improving understanding of SEP and space-weather events.

Abstract

Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are an important product of solar activity. They are connected to solar active regions and flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), EUV waves, shocks, Type II and III radio emissions, and X-ray bursts. These phenomena are major probes of the partition of energy in solar eruptions, as well as for the organization, dynamics, and relaxation of coronal and interplanetary magnetic fields. Many of these phenomena cause terrestrial space weather, posing multiple hazards for humans and their technology from space to the ground. Since particular flares, shocks, CMEs, and EUV waves produce SEP events but others do not, since propagation effects from the low corona to 1 AU appear important for some events but not others, and since Type II and III radio emissions and X-ray bursts are sometimes produced by energetic particles leaving these acceleration sites, it is necessary to study the whole system with a multi-frequency and multi-instrument perspective that combines both in-situ and remote observations with detailed modelling of phenomena. This article demonstrates this comprehensive approach, and shows its necessity, by analysing a trio of unusual and striking solar eruptions, radio and X-ray bursts, and SEP events that occurred on 4 November 2015. These events show both strong similarities and differences from standard events and each other, despite having very similar interplanetary conditions and only two are sites and CME genesis regions. They are therefore major targets for further in-depth observational studies, and for testing both existing and new theories and models. Based on the very limited modelling available we identify the aspects that are and are not understood, and we discuss ideas that may lead to improved understanding of the SEP, radio, and space-weather events.