Engineering topics

Hundhausen, A. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Hundhausen, A. J..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1994

Speeds of coronal mass ejections: SMM observations from 1980 and 1984-1989

The speeds of 936 features in 673 coronal mass ejections have been determined from trajectories observed with the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) coronagraph in 1980 and 1984 to 1989. The distribution of observed speeds has a range (from 5th to 95th percentile) of 35 to 911 km/s; the average and median speeds are 349 and 285 km/s. The speed distributions of some selected classes of mass ejections are significantly different. For example, the speeds of 331 'outer loops' range from 80 to 1042 km/s; the average and median speeds for this class of ejections are 445 and 372 km/s. The speed distributions from each year of SMM observations show significant changes, with the annual average speeds varying from 157 (1984) to 458 km/s (1985). These variations are not simply related to the solar activity cycle; the annual averages from years near the sunspot maxima and minimum are not significantly different. The widths, latitudes, and speeds of mass ejections determined from the SMM observations are only weakly correlated. In particular, mass ejection speeds vary only slightly with the heliographic latitudes of the ejection. High-latitude ejections, which occur well poleward of the active latitudes, have speeds similar to active latitude ejections.

Hundhausen, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Reformation of a coronal helmet streamer by magnetic reconnection after a coronal mass ejection

A bright feature observed on Jan. 24-26, 1992 with the soft X-ray telescope on the YOHKOH spacecraft and with the coronameter at the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory assumed the appearance of a coronal helmet streamer as it slowly expanded. Mauna Loa observations from Jan. 22-24 indicate that a prominence eruption and coronal mass ejection occurred before this feature was seen. We interpret the Jan. 24-26 observations as evidence for 'reformation' of a magnetically closed helmet structure as a consequence of magnetic reconnection that proceeded along a vertical magnetic neutral sheet formed by the mass ejection.

Hiei, E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Sizes and locations of coronal mass ejections - SMM observations from 1980 and 1984-1989

A statistical description of the sizes and locations of 1209 mass ejections observed with the SMM coronagraph/polarimeter in 1980 and 1984-1989 is presented. The average width of the coronal mass ejections detected with this instrument was close to 40 deg in angle for the entire period of SMM observations. No evidence was found for a significant change in mass ejection widths as reported by Howard et al. (1986). There is clear evidence for changes in the latitude distribution of mass ejections over this epoch. Mass ejections occurred over a much wider range of latitudes at the times of high solar activity (1980 and 1989) than at times of low activity (1985-1986).

Hundhausen, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Speeds and accelerations of coronal mass ejections

More than 1300 coronal mass ejections have been detected in observations made by the coronagraph aboard SMM during 1980 and 1984-1989. The speed (projected onto the plane of the sky) for at least one morphoplogical feature in about half of these mass ejections could be measured. The average speed of all mass ejection features was about 350 km/s, but speeds range from a few 10s of km/s to more than 2000 km/s. There also appear to be significant variations between the speed distributions for different years. When a mass ejection feature appeared in three or more sequential images, its acceleration could also be calculated. But, because of the limited time a mass ejection remained in the SMM field of view, the ability to detect any given acceleration diminished with increasing mass ejection speed. In fact, the SMM observations do not reveal a discernable acceleration for most mass ejections. A modest yet credible acceleration was detected in 136 cases, while a deceleration was detected in only 7 cases. The LASCO coronagraph will have a more extensive field of view than the SMM instrument; hence, with these new SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) observations, some of the challenging questions concerning mass ejection dynamics can be addressed. How far away from the Sun does the material in a mass ejection continue being accelerated? At what radial distance is the motion of the mass ejection dominated by deceleration as it interacts with the ambient interplanetary material?

St.cyr, O. Chris↗

NASA NTRS1992

Disconnection of open coronal magnetic structures

We have examined the Solar Maximum Mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and a number of likely examples have been found. Probable coronal disconnections typically appear as pinching off of helmet streamers followed by the release and outward acceleration of a large U or V-shaped structure. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet between previously open magnetic field regions, and the creation of a detached magnetic structure which is open to interplanetary space at both ends. Sunward of the reconnection point, coronal disconnection events would return previously open magnetic flux to the Sun as closed field arches. Here we (1) describe one clear disconnection event (1 June 1989); (2) examine the results of a limited survey of disconnection events; and (3) discuss the potential importance of coronal disconnections for maintaining flux in interplanetary space.

Mccomas, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Concerning solar sources for Cycle 22 solar wind activity in the heliosphere

Beginning in 1989, the active phase of the present solar cycle became manifest in the outer heliosphere as large disturbances in solar wind velocity as observed by the Ames plasma analyzers aboard Pioneer 10 (46-50 AU heliocentric distance) and Pioneer 11 (about 28 AU). Inner heliospheric baseline plasma observations from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (0.7 AU) and IMP 8 (1 AU) are useful for attempts to correlate solar events with the outer heliospheric disturbances. With regard to the onset of activity at Pioneer 11, Pioneer Venus observations are pertinent, and some of these in turn correspond with CMEs (coronal mass ejections) observed in SMM coronagraph data. In particular, enhanced solar wind speeds observed at Pioneer Venus during December 1988 to February 1989 are associated with seven large solar wind shocks (or shock candidates); corresponding CMEs may be identified. Two of these seven shocks were identified as candidates for a precursor to the onset of the disturbances at Pioneer 11. At Pioneer 10 the disturbed period includes two large disturbances, associated with the passage of shocks. There are several candidate CMEs in the SMM observations, one of which may be associated with the second Pioneer 10 shock.

Mihalov, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations of disconnection of open coronal magnetic structures

The solar maximum mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations are surveyed for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and several sequences of images consistent with this interpretation are identified. Such disconnection occurs when open field lines above helmet streamers reconnect, in contrast to previously suggested disconnections of CMEs into closed plasmoids. In this paper a clear example of open field disconnection is shown in detail. The event, on June 27, 1988, is preceded by compression of a preexisting helmet streamer and the open coronal field around it. The compressed helmet streamer and surrounding open field region detach in a large U-shaped structure which subsequently accelerates outward from the sun. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet and the creation of a detached U-shaped magnetic structure. Unlike CMEs, which may open new magnetic flux into interplanetary space, this process could serve to close off previously open flux, perhaps helping to maintain the roughly constant amount of open magnetic flux observed in interplanetary space.

Mccomas, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Concave-outward slow shocks in coronal mass ejections

Formation of slow shocks in a simplified model corona consisting of closed magnetic field lines near the coronal base with overlying open magnetic field lines is analyzed. An increase in the magnetic field strength in the closed region is utilized to drive the corona outward, generating slow shocks for a suitable selection of parameters. The study demonstrates that concave-upward slow shocks can be formed in a magnetic environment, and provides evidence that nonlinear manifestations of all three wave modes (slow, intermediate, and fast) can occur as the corona adjusts from ambient conditions to those produced by the driver. The results show the existence of nonlinear disturbances due to all three wave modes in the coronal response to the expanding driver magnetic fields.

Steinolfson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Solar wind and coronal structure near sunspot minimum - Pioneer and SMM observations from 1985-1987

Changes in solar wind speed and magnetic polarity observed at the Pioneer spacecraft are discussed here in terms of the changing magnetic geometry implied by SMM coronagraph observations over the period 1985-1987. The pattern of recurrent solar wind streams, the long-term average speed, and the sector polarity of the interplanetary magnetic field all changed in a manner suggesting both a temporal variation, and a changing dependence on heliographic latitude. Coronal observations during this epoch show a systematic variation in coronal structure and the magnetic structure imposed on the expanding solar wind. These observations suggest interpretation of the solar wind speed variations in terms of the familiar model where the speed increases with distance from a nearly flat interplanetary current sheet, and where this current sheet becomes aligned with the solar equatorial plane as sunspot minimum approaches, but deviates rapidly from that orientation after minimum.

Mihalov, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

MHD intermediate shocks in coronal mass ejections

A simplified model of coronal mass ejections is considered in which at least a portion of the interaction with the background corona involves a shock wave, and the allowable shock solutions and their compressive signatures are examined. The MHD shock-jump equations have a maximum of three possible types of solutions with an entropy rise for fixed values of the physical variables (slow, intermediate, and fast shocks). However, one of the three solution classes (the intermediate shock) is widely believed to not occur in nature and is regarded as nonevolutionary or extraneous. Without the intermediate shock, there is no multiplicity of solutions in that only one shock (or none) can occur for given physical values. All three potential shock types are considered, and it is shown solely on the basis of the shock-jump equations, that intermediate shocks must exist along some segment of the shock front for certain parametric regimes and for conditions that probably occur in some coronal mass ejections.

Steinolfson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Waves in low-beta plasmas - Slow shocks

Results from wave theory and numerical simulation of the nonlinear MHD equations are used to study the response of a conducting fluid containing an embedded magnetic field with beta less than 1 to the sudden injection of material along the field lines. It is shown that the injection produces slow shocks with configurations which are concave toward the ejecta driver. Fast-mode waves which have not steepened into the shock precede the slow shock and alter the ambient medium. When beta equals 0.1, the fast mode becomes a transverse wave for parallel propagation, while the slow wave approaches a longitudinal, or sound, wave.

Steinolfson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Density and white light brightness in looplike coronal mass ejections - Temporal evolution

Three ambient coronal models suitable for studies of time-dependent phenomena were used to investigate the propagation of coronal mass ejections initiated in each atmosphere by an identical energy source. These models included those of a static corona with a dipole magnetic field, developed by Dryer et al. (1979); a steady polytropic corona with an equatorial coronal streamer, developed by Steinolfson et al. (1982); and Steinolfson's (1988) model of heated corona with an equatorial coronal streamer. The results indicated that the first model does not adequately represent the general characteristics of observed looplike mass ejections, and the second model simulated only some of the observed features. Only the third model, which included a heating term and a streamer, was found to yield accurate simulation of the mess ejection observations.

Steinolfson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The velocity field of a coronal mass ejection - The event of September 1, 1980

The velocity field of a mass ejection that was observed by the coronagraph of the SMM satellite over the northwest limb of the sun at about 0600 UT on September 1, 1980 is studied in detail. A descriptive account of the event is given, concentrating on qualitative features of the mass motion and suggesting a possible origin of the unusual two-loop structure. The velocity field is analyzed quantitatively, and the implications of the results for the mass ejection theory are considered. It is concluded that a self-similar description of the velocity field is a gross oversimplification and that although some evidence of wave propagation can be found, the bright features in the mass ejection are plasma structures moving with frozen-in magnetic fields, rather than waves propagating through plasmas and magnetic fields.

Low, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The coronal mass ejection of July 6, 1980 - A candidate for interpretation as a coronal shock wave

The July 6, 1980 looplike coronal mass ejection observed with the Solar Maximum Mission coronagraph is described and analyzed. Two observations are given special consideration: (1) the sides of the loop moved laterally while they were visible and did not form stationary bright columns, or 'legs', in the late stage, and (2) raylike features initially outside the mass ejection loop were not pushed aside or bent until the laterally moving loop sides passed over them. These observations, as well as the results of quantitative analysis of the motion of the bright loop, are consistent with the identification of the bright loop as a shock front. The loop top moved outward faster (at about 1000 km/s) than most mass ejections studied previously, and possibly faster than the Alfven speed in the corona, while the loop sides moved laterally at a speed of about 800 km/s and showed no evidence of deceleration. The excess mass in the bright loop is estimated to be less than about 2 x 10 to the 14th g, well below the value found to be typical of coronal mass ejections.

Sime, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Activity associated with the solar origin of coronal mass ejections

Solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed in 1980 with the HAO Coronagraph/Polarimeter on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite are compared with other forms of solar activity that might be physically related to the ejections. The solar phenomena checked and the method of association used were intentionally patterned after those of Munro et al.'s (1979) analysis of mass ejections observed with the Skylab coronagraph to facilitate comparison of the two epochs. Comparison of the results reveals that the types and degree of CME associations are similar near solar activity minimum and at maximum. For both epochs, most CMEs with associations had associated eruptive prominences, and the proportions of association of all types of activity were similar. A high percentage of association between SMM CMEs and X-ray long duration events is also found, in agreement with Skylab results. It is concluded that most CMEs are the result of the destabilization and eruption of a prominence and its overlying coronal structure, or of a magnetic structure capable of supporting a prominence.

Webb, D. F.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Disruption of a coronal streamer by an eruptive prominence and coronal mass ejection

The coronal mass ejection of August 18, 1980 is analyzed using images from the coronagraph on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite. The event occurred at the site of a large coronal helmet streamer and evolved into the three-part structure of a bright frontal shell, followed by a relatively dark space surrounding a bright filamentary core as seen in many mass ejections of the SMM epoch. The bright core can be identified as material from a prominence whose eruption was observed from the ground. The mass of the frontal shell is equal to that of the coronal helmet streamer, indicating that the shell is the coronal material previously in the helmet streamer, displaced and set into motion by the erupting prominence and surrounding cavity. The mass ejected in the bright core (or prominences) is estimated to be 50 percent larger than the 'coronal' material in the front loop.

Illing, R. M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Observation of a coronal transient from 1.2 to 6 solar radii

The paper describes in detail the eruptive prominence associated coronal mas ejection of August 5, 1980, as seen in both the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) coronagraph polarimeter and the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) K coronameter and prominence monitor. This event gives the first detailed look at the propagation of a 'depletion' transient into the outer corona. The event begins in the MLO K coronameter as a rising depletion of material, but appears later in the SMM coronograph as an ordinary coronal mass ejection with a three-part structure: a bright core within a dark lunette surrounded by a bright featureles 'loop'. A joint time-height plot of the major structures of the eruption seen by both instruments suggests that the three-part structure in the outer corona can be associated with features in the low corona (prominence, prominence cavity, outer bright front). It is argued from its observed mass that the leading loop in the SMM field of view is probably material that was in the background corona before the event. It is suggested that this material has been displaced and set into motion by the rising 'cavity.'

Illing, R. M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1984

K-coronameter observations and potential field model comparison in 1976 and 1977

Results of determining the shape and location of the heliospheric current sheet from a potential field model and from K-coronameter observations are compared. Interplanetary magnetic field polarities as observed by IMP 8, Helios 1 and 2, and Voyager 2 spacecraft were used to test the two methods over the period May 1976 to August 1977 throughout 18 Carrington rotations. The computed heliospheric current sheets from both methods had a quasi-stationary four-sector structure and very similar shapes. Agreement between interplanetary magnetic field polarity and the results from the potential field model was found on 79 percent of the days, while agreement between the interplanetary field polarity and the polarities derived from the K-coronameter data was found on 87 percent of the days.

Bruno, R.↗