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Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection and the magnetic topology of coronal mass ejection eventsMeasurements of superthermal electron fluxes in the solar wind indicate that field lines within coronal mass ejections, CMEs, near and beyond 1 AU are normally connected to the Sun at both ends. However, on occasion some field lines embedded deep within CMEs appear to be connected to the Sun at only one end. Here we propose an explanation for how such field lines arise in terms of 3-dimensional reconnection close to the Sun. Such reconnection also provides a natural explanation for the flux rope topology characteristic of many CMEs as well as the coronal loops formed during long-duration, solar X-ray events. Our consideration of the field topologies resulting from 3-dimensional reconnection indicates that field lines within and near CMEs may on occasion be connected to the outer heliosphere at both ends.
Document ID
19950053148
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Gosling, J. T.
(Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM United States)
Birn, J.
(Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM United States)
Hesse, M.
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
April 15, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 22
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
95A84747
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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