New Method Enhances Understanding of Coronal Mass Ejections and Their Earthly Impact

Introduction

Astrophysicists have developed a new technique to study Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which are powerful solar phenomena capable of disrupting Earth’s technology. This breakthrough method allows scientists to measure a CME’s instantaneous expansion speed and radial size using single-point spacecraft observations, improving the accuracy of space weather predictions.

What Are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

• CMEs are massive bursts of magnetised plasma and solar wind that erupt from the solar corona into space.
• They are known to cause geomagnetic storms by disturbing Earth’s magnetic field.
• These storms can affect:
  • 🛰️ Satellites
  • 📡 Communication networks
  • ⚡ Electrical power grids

Understanding the behaviour of CMEs is crucial for protecting Earth’s technological infrastructure.

Why Radial Size and Expansion Speed Matter

• The radial size of a CME influences:
  • Its lifetime in the interplanetary medium
  • The duration of geomagnetic storms
• The expansion speed helps scientists predict the arrival time of a CME at Earth
• Until now, these values were difficult to estimate accurately using limited in situ observations

The Novel Methodology Explained

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have created a method that:

• Infers the accelerations of CME substructures from single-point data
• Analyzes multiple CME components simultaneously to estimate:
  • Instantaneous expansion speed
  • Radial size
  • Distance travelled by CME elements

This enables better CME modelling using data from just one spacecraft — a major advantage for missions with limited spatial coverage.

Demonstration Using the April 3, 2010 CME Event

The method was validated using data from:

• 🌞 NASA’s SOHO and STEREO missions
• 🌍 ESA’s instruments

Key findings:

• The CME from April 3, 2010 showed that substructures evolve differently in the interplanetary medium
• Their expansion and motion are shaped by external forces, such as magnetic pressure and solar wind

Implications for Space Weather Forecasting

This advancement improves our ability to:

• Predict geomagnetic storm timing and severity
• Mitigate damage to satellites and electrical grids
• Enhance early-warning systems for communication and aviation sectors

This method is especially promising for use with India’s Aditya-L1 mission, which aims to study the Sun from Lagrange Point 1.

Looking Ahead: Future of CME Research

Researchers plan to apply their methodology to Aditya-L1’s Solar wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX). This will help:

• Track CME behaviour more precisely
• Build advanced models of solar-terrestrial interactions
• Contribute to India’s growing role in space weather science

Conclusion

This new approach to studying CMEs represents a major step forward in space weather forecasting. With tools like Aditya-L1 and innovative methodologies, India is contributing significantly to our global understanding of the Sun’s impact on Earth — preparing us better for the challenges of a technology-dependent world.