Abstract
We present an analysis of the internal structure of a coronal mass
ejection (CME) detected by in situ instruments onboard the Parker Solar
Probe (PSP) spacecraft during its first solar encounter. On 2018
November 11 at 23:53 UT, the FIELDS magnetometer measured an increase in
strength of the magnetic field as well as a coherent change in the field
direction. The SWEAP instrument simultaneously detected the low proton
temperature and signatures of bi-directionality in the electron pitch
angle distribution (PAD). These signatures are indicative of a CME
embedded in the slow solar wind. In conjunction with PSP was the STEREO
A spacecraft, which enabled the remote observation of a streamer
blow-out by the SECCHI suite of instruments. The source at the Sun of
the slow and well-structured flux-rope was identified in an overlying
streamer.Our detailed inspection of the internal transient structure
magnetic properties suggests high complexity in deviations from an ideal
flux rope 3D topology. Reconstructions of the magnetic field conguration
reveal a highly distorted structure consistent with the highly elongated
`bubble' observed remotely. A double-ring substructure observed in the
SECCHI-COR2 eld of view (FOV) is suggestive of a double internal flux
rope. Furthermore, we describe a scenario in which mixed topology of a
closed flux rope is combined with the magnetically open structure, which
helps explain the flux dropout observed in the measurements of the
electron PAD. Our justication for this is the plethora of structures
observed by the EUV imager (SECCHI-EUVI) in the hours preceding the
streamer blowout evacuation. Finally, taking advantage of the unique
observations from PSP, we explore the first stages of the effects of
coupling with the solar wind and the evolutionary processes in the
magnetic structure. We found evidence of bifurcated current sheets in
the structure boundaries suggestive of magnetic reconnection. Our
analysis of the internal force imbalance indicates that internal Lorentz
forces continue to dominate the evolution of the structure in the COR2
FOV and serves as the main driver of the internal flux rope distortion
as detected in situ at PSP solar distance.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages | 22182 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01 May 2020 |
Event | EGU General Assembly 2020: Online - Online, Vienna, Austria Duration: 04 May 2020 → 08 May 2020 https://egu2020.eu |
Conference
Conference | EGU General Assembly 2020 |
---|---|
Country/Territory | Austria |
City | Vienna |
Period | 04 May 2020 → 08 May 2020 |
Internet address |