Analysis of large deflections of prominence-CME events during the rising phase of solar cycle 24

TL;DR

This study analyzes large deflections of prominence-CME events during solar cycle 24's rising phase, using multi-spacecraft observations and magnetic field modeling to understand their trajectories and improve space weather forecasting.

Contribution

It provides a detailed 3D analysis of prominence-CME deflections using multi-viewpoint data and magnetic field models, highlighting the magnetic environment's role in CME trajectories.

Findings

Magnetic energy distribution influences CME deflections.

3D trajectory analysis improves understanding of CME paths.

Magnetic environment during eruptions is crucial for CME trajectory prediction.

Abstract

Motivated by the need to improve the ability to forecast whether a certain coronal mass ejection (CME) is to impact Earth, and by the insufficiency of statistical studies that analyze the whole erupting system with the focus on the governing conditions under CME deflections, we performed a careful analysis of 13 events along a one-year time interval showing large deflections from their source region. We used telescopes imaging the solar corona at different heights and wavelengths on board the Project for Onboard Autonomy 2 (PROBA2), Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft and from National Solar Observatory (NSO). By taking advantage of the quadrature position of these spacecraft from October 2010 until September 2011, we inspected the 3D trajectory of CMEs and their associated prominences with respect to their solar sources by means of a tie-pointing tool and a forward model. Considering the coronal magnetic fields as computed from a potential field source surface model, we investigate the roles of magnetic energy distribution and kinematic features in the non-radial propagation of both structures. The magnetic environment present during the eruption is found to be crucial in determining the trajectory of CMEs, in agreement with previous reports.