M3.2

From Soteria

Lead Beneficiary: UGOE

Beneficiaries involved: UNIGRAZ

Due Date: Month 16

Goal

Development of a CME model reproducing the white-light observations of coronagraphs through modelling the electon density distribution for a magnetic field topology derived from complementary observations like SOHO/MDI and other wavelengths (e.g., H-alpha). Visualisation of the results for scientific demonstration, educational and public outreach purposes.

Progress so far

CME event list comprising abut 80 events for 3D studies established based on STEREO observations. Electron density code applied to these events assuming a graduated cylindrical shell flux rope geometry. The model reproduces the STEREO white-light CME observations and yields several flux rope parameters (height, aspect ratio, inclination, wdth) and the location of the source region in the low corona. The results are compared with SOHO/MDI measurements of the photospheric magnetic field. The flux rope models are successfully applied and extended into the heliosphere based on STEREO/SOHO multipoint space observations. For the first time a CME has been tracked - stereoscopically - all the way along the Sun-Earth line (STEREO and ACE observations). The unique STEREO observaions support the validity of CME models that base on flux rope topologies. A 3D animation will be developed in collaboration with Planetarium Hamburg. UNIGRAZ is supportingthe studies through a collaborative analysis of the CME events.

Problem areas

The quality of the animation products will benefit from an extended deadine.