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Emma E. Davies

Publications and source records attributed to Emma E. Davies.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evidence for CME--CME Interaction in a Magnetic-Cloud-Like Ejecta: Insights from Multipoint Observations and Polytropic Analysis

Using in-situ observations from Solar Orbiter, STEREO-A, and Wind, we investigate the heliospheric evolution of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME). The magnetic ejecta (ME) shows a magnetic-cloud-like (MCL) configuration: a front region in which the magnetic field rotates and its magnitude declines, followed by a weakly rotating "back region" of nearly constant field magnitude. Near-Sun EUV and white-light observations reveal two fast CMEs launched in rapid succession and interacting at low coronal heights, providing direct evidence that an MCL ejecta can arise from interaction between two closely spaced CMEs sampled near their apex. Using near-radially aligned Solar Orbiter and STEREO-A observations, we find that the sheath expands more rapidly than the ME, consistent with the "snow-plow" effect, while the ME properties broadly follow trends reported in previous ICME studies. Comparison of STEREO-A and Wind observations, separated by only 9.2 degrees in longitude, reveals measurable mesoscale variability within both the sheath and the ME. We identify dual polytropic behavior within both substructures, consistent with the merging of two interacting CMEs to form the observed MCL ejecta. This dual behavior in the ME is most pronounced in the inner heliosphere and weakens with heliocentric distance, indicating thermodynamic homogenization during radial expansion, whereas the sheath maintains thermodynamic contrasts from the inner heliosphere to 1 au. Our findings suggest that polytropic diagnostics can help reveal thermodynamically distinct plasma populations associated with interacting CMEs, providing additional evidence for CME-CME interaction in MCL ejecta where conventional in-situ signatures show no clear evidence of such interactions.

astro-ph.SR

Probing the magnetic field of a coronal mass ejection with PSR J1022+1001

We investigate whether low-frequency pulsar observations can provide LoS magnetic field estimates and whether these are consistent with synthetic LoS signatures extracted from a three-dimensional CME reconstruction constrained by Solar Orbiter data. We analyze a CME occultation of the LoS to PSR J1022+1001 on 20 August 2021 at a projected heliocentric distance of 24.6 R_sun, observed simultaneously with LOFAR and NenuFAR. From LOFAR, we derive time-resolved dispersion measure (DM) and rotation measure (RM) and isolate the CME contributions using background estimates for interstellar, solar wind and ionospheric components. We then infer the density-weighted LoS-averaged magnetic field component _PSR from the ratio delta-RM/delta-DM. In parallel, we reconstruct the CME using a semi-empirical 3DCORE model fitted to Solar Orbiter in-situ magnetic field observations at 0.65 au. We sample the modeled magnetic field along the pulsar LoS using fixed spatial sampling points and compute synthetic LoS-averaged signatures _3D for different flux rope configurations. The derived _PSR increases from approximately -9 nT to a peak near 63 nT during the observed interval. Comparison with synthetic signatures shows that the polarity and temporal evolution of the LoS signal are strongly dependent on the flux rope configuration and only a South-West-North (SWN) configuration (confirmed by Solar Orbiter in-situ data) reproduces the observed sign and overall evolution, whereas alternative configurations are incompatible. The modeled amplitudes, however, are systematically larger than the pulsar-derived values by roughly a factor of five. We show that simultaneous low-frequency pulsar DM and RM measurements can provide LoS magnetic field estimates for a CME and can be used to test CME magnetic structure against data-constrained three-dimensional reconstructions.

astro-ph.SR

Real-time prediction of two geomagnetic storms using Solar Orbiter as a far upstream solar wind monitor

We present the first real-time predictions of coronal mass ejection (CME) magnetic structure and resulting geomagnetic impact at Earth for two events using far-upstream observations from Solar Orbiter during March 2024. While our approach assumes idealized conditions for CME propagation and scaling, in situ magnetic field data from upstream monitors still produced realistic predictions despite the large heliocentric distance between Solar Orbiter and L1 (0.53 and 0.60 au). Geomagnetic index predictions were made 15.3 and 4.3 hours before the CME shock arrival at L1, and 33.9 and 10.3 hours ahead of peak storm time; a large improvement over current L1-based nowcasting capabilities. We find that observationally constraining the simple drag-based models using the upstream in situ observations improved arrival time estimates for the two events in this study, although arrival time errors of several hours still remain. Our results show that good predictions of CME magnetic structure and geomagnetic indices with actionable lead-times can be made with far upstream spacecraft, even with longitudinal separations up to 10° from the Sun-Earth line, over heliocentric distance ranges where radial evolution effects dominate over longitudinal effects. Limitations include different expansion behaviors for individual CMEs and regions within. Future missions providing continuous data, including solar wind plasma parameters alongside magnetic field measurements, could account for preexisting disturbed conditions and improve geomagnetic prediction accuracy. Our findings demonstrate the substantial value of real-time upstream solar wind measurements for enhancing geomagnetic forecasting accuracy at Earth and provide critical validation for future dedicated upstream space weather missions.

physics.space-ph

Investigating potential benefits of future sub-L1 missions with STEREO-A

We present the first statistical study of geomagnetic storm forecasting using in situ data from the STEREO-A spacecraft as a sub-L1 monitor. Between November 2022 and June 2024, STEREO-A crossed the Sun-Earth line, covering longitudinal and radial separations of +/-15° from the Sun-Earth line and 0.01-0.06 au from Earth. This passage provides a unique opportunity to assess future sub-L1 mission concepts by ESA, such as HENON and SHIELD. We identify 32 coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed by both STEREO-A and L1 spacecraft. Eight of these 32 CME events are first detected at L1, indicating that radial spacecraft separations of up to ~0.05 au do not always yield lead time advantages. Furthermore, we find greater (smaller) gains in lead time when STEREO-A is east (west) of the Sun-Earth line. We develop a baseline methodology for the use of future sub-L1 in situ data to enable time-shifting and real-time modeling of the geomagnetic SYM-H index. This is run continuously over the entire time period, therefore modeling the geomagnetic response of all solar wind structures. Our methodology is empirically motivated and should be considered a first approach in addressing the use of sub-L1 data. Following this methodology, 26 of 47 observed geomagnetic storms are correctly identified from STEREO-A data. Intense events (82%, SYM-H<-100 nT) are well detected, most of which are also associated with an identified CME event. Most SYM-H minima are predicted later (72%) and stronger (58%) than those observed due to biases introduced by our methodology.

physics.space-ph

Evolution of Coronal Mass Ejection Properties through Superposed Epoch Analysis from 0.2 to 2.2 au

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are explosive and energetic events consisting of strong magnetic structures erupting from the solar corona. We use superposed epoch analysis to investigate the general properties of CMEs as measured {\it in situ} from 0.2 to 2.2 au based on over 1600 events obtained from the HELIO4CAST catalog. We examine the dependence of the CME global properties on solar cycle phase, and compare the CME parameters derived in the active phase (AP) with the quiet phase (QP). Our findings show that during the AP of the solar cycle, the occurring CMEs are faster and have stronger magnetic field strength than during the QP, which has denser but weaker magnetic strength. These differences in magnetic field strength and density remain even when controlling for the speed. This may indicate that the enhanced profiles observed during the AP are not only a consequence of the CME propagation speed but may also reflect intrinsic differences in the eruption mechanism during different solar cycle phases. We also study how the magnetic field strength and components of the CME magnetic ejecta (ME) structure evolve with heliocentric distance. We find that the toroidal and poloidal ME magnetic field components have a similar power law decrease with distance, indicating a comparable expansion behavior of CMEs in these dimensions. We further quantify the CME magnetic field asymmetry %(often associated with CME aging) using the front-to-rear ratio of the toroidal component across heliocentric distance and find evidence of an increase of this ratio with heliocentric distance.

physics.space-ph

Radial Dependency of ICME-associated Particle Acceleration Processes: Statistical Multipoint Observations from 2016-2023

During the propagation of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs), evolution of the ICME-driven shock along with interactions with other solar wind structures, planetary bodies, and general changes to their morphology can alter particle acceleration efficiency and transport effects at their associated shocks. While the underlying mechanisms for these processes have been studied, the connection between the radial evolution of the ICME-driven shock during propagation and resulting gradual Solar Energetic Particle (SEP)and Energetic Storm Particle (ESP) intensities, composition, and acceleration has yet to be fully understood. The current distributed array of spacecraft at varying heliocentric distances provides a welcome opportunity to statistically analyze the radial dependency of particle populations and acceleration mechanisms present at ICME-driven shocks. We compile a database of 39 multipoint ICME events from 2016-2023, which are observed in situ by at least two of the following spacecraft: Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter, ACE, Wind, and STEREO-A. Using the magnetic field, plasma, and ion compositional data provided by these spacecraft, we derive both local shock and ESP spectral shape parameters. By comparing the changes in these parameters at different stages of ICME propagation, we analyze the connection between the evolution of the local shock conditions and the spectral shape. We find evidence to suggest a consistent increase in shock acceleration efficiency with heliocentric distance while the parent ICME is within 0.7 au, followed by a reduction in shock efficiency at further distances.

physics.space-ph

Towards a Fully Automated Pipeline for Short-Term Forecasting of In Situ Coronal Mass Ejection Magnetic Field Structure

We present an automated pipeline for operational short-term forecasting of coronal mass ejection (CME) magnetic field structure at L1, coupling arrival time prediction, in situ detection, and iterative flux rope reconstruction, following near-real-time remote-sensing CME identification. The system is triggered by new entries in the CCMC DONKI database and first applies the drag-based ELEvo model to determine whether an Earth impact is expected and estimate arrival time. This estimate defines a temporal window constraining the search for CME signatures in real-time L1 in situ solar wind data, where the magnetic obstacle (MO) is automatically detected using the deep learning model ARCANE. Upon MO onset, iterative reconstructions with the semi-empirical flux rope model 3DCORE are performed, using a Monte Carlo fitting scheme, producing continuously updated forecasts of the remaining magnetic field profile. We evaluate the pipeline using 3870 archived DONKI entries and archived NOAA real-time in situ data from 2013-2025, assessing forecast performance at different stages of MO observation. For 61 events with an associated ground-truth counterpart in the ICMECAT catalog, forecasts based on initial MO data already achieve performance comparable to full-event reconstructions. Typical errors are ~5 hours in timing of magnetic field extrema and ~10 nT in field strength metrics, with limited systematic improvement as more of the event is observed. Results show substantial event variability and systematic underestimation of extrema, indicating deviations from ideal flux rope assumptions. These findings demonstrate the potential of fully autonomous real-time forecasting while highlighting limitations imposed by event complexity and model representational capacity.

astro-ph.SR

On the magnetic field evolution of interplanetary coronal mass ejections from 0.07 to 5.4 au

A central question for understanding interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) physics and improving space weather forecasting is how ICMEs evolve in interplanetary space. We have updated one of the most comprehensive in situ ICME catalogs to date, which now includes 1976 events from 11 space missions covering over 34 years, from December 1990 to August 2025. We have combined existing catalogs including magnetic obstacles and identified and added boundaries of an additional 807 (40.8%) events ourselves. With this catalog, we demonstrate the most extensive analysis to date of total ICME magnetic field values as a function of heliocentric distance. Parker Solar Probe has observed 6 ICMEs at $< 0.23$ au (until April 2025), and Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo have added more events near 0.3 au, bridging the major observational gap towards the solar corona. Our main result is that a single power law can describe the evolution of the mean total magnetic field (exponent value of $k=-1.57$) and maximum field ($k=-1.53$) for ICMEs with magnetic obstacles (MOs), from 0.07 to 5.4 au. Extending the power law to the solar photosphere reveals a strong inconsistency with magnetic field magnitudes observed in the quiet Sun and active regions by 2 and 4 orders of magnitude, respectively. We introduce a multipole-type power law with two exponents, $k_1=-1.57$, and $k_2=-6$, relating the ICME magnetic field magnitude to an average solar active region field strength. These results present important observational constraints for the evolution of ICMEs from the Sun to the heliosphere.

astro-ph.SR

Solar Wind Heating Near the Sun: A Radial Evolution Approach

Characterizing the plasma state in the near-Sun environment is essential to constrain the mechanisms that heat and accelerate the solar wind. In this study, we use Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations from Encounters 1 through 24 to investigate the radial evolution of solar wind plasma and magnetic field properties in this region. Using intervals with high field-of-view ($>85\%$) coverage, we derive the radial profiles of magnetic field strength ($|B|$), proton density ($N$), bulk speed ($V$), total proton temperature ($T$), parallel ($T_\parallel$) and perpendicular ($T_\perp$) temperatures, temperature anisotropy ($T_\perp/T_\parallel$), plasma beta ($β$), Alfvén Mach number ($M_A$), and magnetic field fluctuations ($δB/B$) for sub and super-Alfvénic regions. In super-Alfvénic regions, power-law of $|B|$, $N$, $V$, and $T$ as a function of heliocentric distance are broadly consistent with previous \textit{Helios} results at $>0.3$ AU. The radial evolution of the components of the temperature tensor reveals distinct behavior: $T_\perp$ decreases monotonically with distance, whereas $T_\parallel$ exhibits a non-monotonic trend -- decreasing in the sub-Alfvénic region, increasing just beyond the Alfvén surface. We interpret the increase in $T_\parallel$ as a proxy for proton beam occurrence. We further examine the evolution of magnetic field fluctuations, finding decreasing radial/parallel fluctuations but enhanced tangential/normal/perpendicular fluctuations in sunward direction. These fluctuations may provide free energy for beam generation and particle heating via wave-particle interactions.

astro-ph.SR

First observations of a geomagnetic superstorm with a sub-L1 monitor

Forecasting the geomagnetic effects of solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is currently an unsolved problem. CMEs, responsible for the largest values of the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field, are the key driver of intense and extreme geomagnetic activity. Observations of southward interplanetary magnetic fields are currently only accessible directly through in situ measurements by spacecraft in the solar wind. On 10-12 May 2024, the strongest geomagnetic storm since 2003 took place, caused by five interacting CMEs. We clarify the relationship between the CMEs, their solar source regions, and the resulting signatures at the Sun-Earth L1 point observed by the ACE spacecraft at 1.00 AU. The STEREO-A spacecraft was situated at 0.956 AU and 12.6° west of Earth during the event, serving as a fortuitous sub-L1 monitor providing interplanetary magnetic field measurements of the solar wind. We demonstrate an extension of the prediction lead time, as the shock was observed 2.57 hours earlier at STEREO-A than at L1, consistent with the measured shock speed at L1, 710 km/s, and the radial distance of 0.04 AU. By deriving the geomagnetic indices based on the STEREO-A beacon data, we show that the strength of the geomagnetic storm would have been decently forecasted, with the modeled minimum SYM-H=-478.5 nT, underestimating the observed minimum by only 8%. Our study sets an unprecedented benchmark for future mission design using upstream monitoring for space weather prediction.

physics.space-ph

Influence of the Deformation of Coronal Mass Ejections on Their In-Situ Fitting with Circular-Cross-Section Flux Rope Models

Understanding the properties, especially the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) invariants, of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) measured in-situ is key to bridging the CME properties from the Sun to interplanetary space. In order to investigate CMEs from the in-situ measurements that provide a one-dimensional (1-D) cut of the CME parameters over the spacecraft trajectory, various magnetic flux rope (MFR) models have been developed, among which the models with a circular cross-section are the most popular and widely used. CMEs are found to be deformed during their propagation in interplanetary space, in which the cross-section may be flattened in the direction of propagation, i.e., to develop an elliptical or even pancake-like shape. We use numerical MHD simulations in 2.5-D to investigate the influence of the CME deformation on the in-situ fitting using two linear force-free MFR models with a circular cross-section, and we focus on the axial and poloidal magnetic fluxes, which are conserved in the ideal MHD frame and simulations. We quantitatively compare the fitted axial and poloidal fluxes with those in simulations. We find that both models underestimate the axial flux compared to that in simulations, and such underestimation depends on the CME deformation. However, the fitting of the poloidal flux is independent of the deformation. We discuss the reasons for the axial flux underestimation and the implication of the CME deformation for the CME in-situ fitting.

physics.space-ph

Flux rope modeling of the 2022 Sep 5 CME observed by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter from 0.07 to 0.69 au

As both Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Solar Orbiter (SolO) reach heliocentric distances closer to the Sun, they present an exciting opportunity to study the structure of CMEs in the inner heliosphere. We present an analysis of the global flux rope structure of the 2022 September 5 CME event that impacted PSP at a heliocentric distance of only 0.07 au and SolO at 0.69 au. We compare in situ measurements at PSP and SolO to determine global and local expansion measures, finding a good agreement between magnetic field relationships with heliocentric distance, but significant differences with respect to flux rope size. We use PSP/WISPR images as input to the ELEvoHI model, providing a direct link between remote and in situ observations; we find a large discrepancy between the resulting modeled arrival times, suggesting that the underlying model assumptions may not be suitable when using data obtained close to the Sun, where the drag regime is markedly different in comparison to larger heliocentric distances. Finally, we fit the SolO/MAG and PSP/FIELDS data independently with the 3DCORE model and find that many parameters are consistent between spacecraft, however, challenges are apparent when reconstructing a global 3D structure that aligns with arrival times at PSP and Solar Orbiter, likely due to the large radial and longitudinal separations between spacecraft. From our model results, it is clear the solar wind background speed and drag regime strongly affect the modeled expansion and propagation of CMEs and need to be taken into consideration.

physics.space-ph

Understanding the effects of spacecraft trajectories through solar coronal mass ejection flux ropes using 3DCOREweb

This study investigates the impact of spacecraft positioning and trajectory on in situ signatures of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Employing the 3DCORE model, a 3D flux rope model that can generate in situ profiles for any given point in space and time, we conduct forward modeling to analyze such signatures for various latitudinal and longitudinal positions, with respect to the flux rope apex, at 0.8~au. Using this approach, we explore the appearance of the resulting in situ profiles for different flux rope types, with different handedness and inclination angles, for both high and low twist CMEs. Our findings reveal that CMEs exhibit distinct differences in signatures between apex hits and flank encounters, with the latter displaying elongated profiles with reduced rotation. However, constant, non-rotating in situ signatures are only observed for flank encounters of low twist CMEs, suggesting the existence of untwisted magnetic field lines within CME legs. Additionally, our study confirms the unambiguous appearance of different flux rope types in in situ signatures, contributing to the broader understanding and interpretation of observational data. Given the model assumptions, this may refute trajectory effects to be the cause for mismatching flux rope types as identified in solar signatures. While acknowledging limitations inherent in our model, such as the assumption of constant twist and non-deformable torus-like shape, we still draw relevant conclusions within the context of global magnetic field structures of CMEs and the potential for distinguishing flux rope types based on in situ observations.

astro-ph.SR

A Survey of Coronal Mass Ejections Measured In Situ by Parker Solar Probe During 2018-2022

We present a statistical investigation of the radial evolution of 28 interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs), measured in situ by the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft from 2018 October to 2022 August. First, by analyzing the radial distribution of ICME classification based on magnetic hodograms, we find that coherent configurations are more likely to be observed close to the Sun. In contrast, more complex configurations are observed farther out. We also notice that the post-ICME magnetic field is more impacted following an ICME passage at larger heliocentric distances. Second, with a multi-linear robust regression, we derive a slower magnetic ejecta (ME) expansion rate within 1~au compared to previous statistical estimates. Then, investigating the magnetic field fluctuations within ICME sheaths, we see that these fluctuations are strongly coupled to the relative magnetic field strength gradient from the upstream solar wind to the ME. Third, we identify ME expansion as an important factor in forming sheaths. Finally, we determine the distortion parameter (DiP) which is a measure of magnetic field asymmetry in an ME. We discover lower overall asymmetries within MEs. We reveal that even for expanding MEs, the time duration over which an ME is sampled does not correlate with DiP values, indicating that the aging effect is not the sole contributor to the observed ME asymmetries.

physics.space-ph

The Width of Magnetic Ejecta Measured Near 1 au: Lessons from STEREO-A Measurements in 2021--2022

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large-scale eruptions with a typical radial size at 1 au of 0.21 au but their angular width in interplanetary space is still mostly unknown, especially for the magnetic ejecta (ME) part of the CME. We take advantage of STEREO-A angular separation of 20$^\circ$-60$^\circ$ from the Sun-Earth line from October 2020 to August 2022, and perform a two-part study to constrain the angular width of MEs in the ecliptic plane: a) we study all CMEs that are observed remotely to propagate between the Sun-STEREO-A and the Sun-Earth lines and determine how many impact one or both spacecraft in situ, and b) we investigate all in situ measurements at STEREO-A or at L1 of CMEs during the same time period to quantify how many are measured by the two spacecraft. A key finding is that, out of 21 CMEs propagating within 30$^\circ$ of either spacecraft, only four impacted both spacecraft and none provided clean magnetic cloud-like signatures at both spacecraft. Combining the two approaches, we conclude that the typical angular width of a ME at 1 au is $\sim$ 20$^\circ$-30$^\circ$, or 2-3 times less than often assumed and consistent with a 2:1 elliptical cross-section of an ellipsoidal ME. We discuss the consequences of this finding for future multi-spacecraft mission designs and for the coherence of CMEs.

astro-ph.SR

The effect of magnetic field line topology on ICME-related GCR modulation

The large-scale magnetic structure of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) has been shown to affect the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) flux measured in situ by spacecraft, causing temporary decreases known as Forbush decreases (Fds). In some ICMEs, the magnetic ejecta exhibits a magnetic flux rope (FR) structure; the strong magnetic field strength and closed field line geometry of such ICME FRs has been proposed to act as a shield to GCR transport. In this study, we identify four ICMEs near Earth that drove Fds with similar mean magnetic field strengths (20 - 25 nT); two ICMEs with more typical mean speeds (~400 km/s), and two fast (~750 km/s) ICMEs. Within each speed pairing, we identify an ICME that exhibited an open magnetic field line topology and compare its effect on the GCR flux to that which exhibited a mostly closed topology. We investigate the different mechanisms that contribute to the resulting ICME-related Fds and their recovery, and determine which properties, if any, play a more important role than others in driving Fds. We find that much of the GCR response to the ICME events in this study is independent of the open or closed magnetic field line topology of the flux rope, and that features such as the fluctuations in speed, magnetic field structure, and expansion within the FR may play more of a role in determining the smaller-scale structure of the Fd profile.

physics.space-ph

New Observations Needed to Advance Our Understanding of Coronal Mass Ejections

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large eruptions from the Sun that propagate through the heliosphere after launch. Observational studies of these transient phenomena are usually based on 2D images of the Sun, corona, and heliosphere (remote-sensing data), as well as magnetic field, plasma, and particle samples along a 1D spacecraft trajectory (in-situ data). Given the large scales involved and the 3D nature of CMEs, such measurements are generally insufficient to build a comprehensive picture, especially in terms of local variations and overall geometry of the whole structure. This White Paper aims to address this issue by identifying the data sets and observational priorities that are needed to effectively advance our current understanding of the structure and evolution of CMEs, in both the remote-sensing and in-situ regimes. It also provides an outlook of possible missions and instruments that may yield significant improvements into the subject.

astro-ph.IM

The eruption of a magnetic flux rope observed by \textit{Solar Orbiter} and \textit{Parker Solar Probe}

Magnetic flux ropes are a key component of coronal mass ejections, forming the core of these eruptive phenomena. However, determining whether a flux rope is present prior to eruption onset and, if so, the rope's handedness and the number of turns that any helical field lines make is difficult without magnetic field modelling or in-situ detection of the flux rope. We present two distinct observations of plasma flows along a filament channel on 4 and 5 September 2022 made using the \textit{Solar Orbiter} spacecraft. Each plasma flow exhibited helical motions in a right-handed sense as the plasma moved from the source active region across the solar disk to the quiet Sun, suggesting that the magnetic configuration of the filament channel contains a flux rope with positive chirality and at least one turn. The length and velocity of the plasma flow increased from the first to the second observation, suggesting evolution of the flux rope, with the flux rope subsequently erupting within $\sim$5~hours of the second plasma flow. The erupting flux rope then passed over the \textit{Parker Solar Probe} spacecraft during its Encounter 13, enabling \textit{in-situ} diagnostics of the structure. Although complex and consistent with the flux rope erupting from underneath the heliospheric current sheet, the \textit{in-situ} measurements support the inference of a right-handed flux rope from remote-sensing observations. These observations provide a unique insight into the eruption and evolution of a magnetic flux rope near the Sun.

astro-ph.SR