Extended radio emission associated with a breakout eruption from the back side of the Sun

TL;DR

This study analyzes radio emissions from a back-side solar CME eruption, revealing extended radio structures linked to breakout reconnection and shock formation, supporting the breakout model of CME eruptions.

Contribution

First detailed radio imaging and spectroscopic analysis of a back-side CME eruption, confirming breakout reconnection and shock-related radio emissions.

Findings

Radio emission corresponds to type II or IV bursts associated with CME

Extended radio structures align with the CME's current sheet and shock regions

Results support the breakout model of CME eruptions

Abstract

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on the Sun are the largest explosions in the Solar System that can drive powerful plasma shocks. The eruptions, shocks, and other processes associated to CMEs are efficient particle accelerators and the accelerated electrons in particular can produce radio bursts through the plasma emission mechanism. Aims. Coronal mass ejections and associated radio bursts have been well studied in cases where the CME originates close to the solar limb or within the frontside disc. Here, we study the radio emission associated with a CME eruption on the back side of the Sun on 22 July 2012. Methods. Using radio imaging from the Nan\c{c}ay Radioheliograph, spectroscopic data from the Nan\c{c}ay Decametric Array, and extreme-ultraviolet observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft, we determine the nature of the observed radio emission as well as the location and propagation of the CME. Results. We show that the observed low-intensity radio emission corresponds to a type II radio burst or a short-duration type IV radio burst associated with a CME eruption due to breakout reconnection on the back side of the Sun, as suggested by the pre-eruptive magnetic field configuration. The radio emission consists of a large, extended structure, initially located ahead of the CME, that corresponds to various electron acceleration locations. Conclusions. The observations presented here are consistent with the breakout model of CME eruptions. The extended radio emission coincides with the location of the current sheet and quasi-separatrix boundary of the CME flux and the overlying helmet streamer and also with that of a large shock expected to form ahead of the CME in this configuration.