arXiv subjects

Hebe Cremades

Publications and source records attributed to Hebe Cremades.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

PRICM3: A novel Polarization Ratio framework for three-dimensional CME reconstruction

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are inherently three-dimensional (3D), but traditional white-light coronagraphs provide only two-dimensional (2D) projections. While the Polarization Ratio Technique (PRT) utilizes Thomson scattering to infer proxy 3D plasma locations, its results are typically limited to 2D topographical maps, hindering geometric interpretation. To address this, we introduce PRICM3 (Polarization Ratio Integrated CME Mapper in 3D), a framework that converts PRT-derived maps into explicit 3D point-cloud reconstructions. This tool enables intuitive visualization, multi-viewpoint comparison, and direct validation against geometric models such as the Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS). As a proof-of-concept, we analyzed a limb CME observed on 28 October 2021 using data from Solar Orbiter/Metis, SOHO/LASCO, and STEREO-A/COR2. The independent reconstructions converged into a consistent 3D volume that aligned remarkably well with the corresponding GCS geometry. These results prove that the 3D information embedded in PRT topographical maps can be successfully recovered through spatial reconstruction. PRICM3 offers a powerful, intuitive method for interpreting polarimetric coronagraph observations, providing a vital tool for current and future solar missions such as Proba-3/ASPIICS and PUNCH.

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arXiv2026

On the dynamics, thermodynamics and fine structure of virtual erupting filaments

It is not fully understood why some solar filaments erupt while others do not. Those that do typically undergo a slow rise followed by an acceleration phase, though this transition requires further investigation. Erupting prominences have been observed to heat up during the acceleration phase, but the origin of this heating remains unclear. Moreover, some coronal mass ejections possess additional fine structure in white-light observations beyond the classical three-part morphology. We aim to elaborate on the dynamics of erupting prominences, investigate the heating during the acceleration phase, and correlate our findings with observations. We employ the open-source MPI-AMRVAC code to solve the 2.5D MHD equations on a coronal domain extending to 300 Mm, using adaptive mesh refinement to attain high resolution. Controlled combinations of footpoint shearing and converging motions applied to an initial magnetic arcade produce erupting flux ropes with self-consistent prominence and coronal rain formation due to thermal instability. We find both non-erupting and erupting cases related to the system energization. Comparison with observations from the AIA Filament Eruption Catalog shows that the slow-rise and impulsive phases are modulated by magnetic reconnection. The transition to acceleration corresponds to an increase in the inflow Alfv\'en Mach number. Thermal conduction and compressional heating can lead to prominence evaporation. We obtain nested circular fine structure in EUV images of the ejected flux ropes, partly resulting from plasmoid interactions. We conclude that internal heating processes and magnetic reconnection play key roles in the early evolution of CMEs.

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arXiv2025

Automatic detection of CMEs using synthetically-trained Mask R-CNN

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are a major driver of space weather. To assess CME geoeffectiveness, among other scientific goals, it is necessary to reliably identify and characterize their morphology and kinematics in coronagraph images. Current methods of CME identification are either subjected to human biases or perform a poor identification due to deficiencies in the automatic detection. In this approach, we have trained the deep convolutional neural model Mask R-CNN to automatically segment the outer envelope of one or multiple CMEs present in a single difference coronagraph image. The empirical training dataset is composed of 10^5 synthetic coronagraph images with known pixel-level CME segmentation masks. It is obtained by combining quiet coronagraph observations, with synthetic white-light CMEs produced using the GCS geometric model and ray-tracing technique. We found that our model-based trained Mask R-CNN infers segmentation masks that are smooth and topologically connected. While the inferred masks are not representative of the detailed outer envelope of complex CMEs, the neural model can better differentiate a CME from other radially moving background/foreground features, segment multiple simultaneous CMEs that are close to each other, and work with images from different instruments. This is accomplished without relying on kinematic information, i.e. only the included in the single input difference image. We obtain a median IoU=0.98 for 1.6*10^4 synthetic validation images, and IoU=0.77 when compared with two independent manual segmentations of 115 observations acquired by the COR2-A, COR2-B and LASCO C2 coronagraphs. The methodology presented in this work can be used with other CME models to produce more realistic synthetic brightness images while preserving desired morphological features, and obtain more robust and/or tailored segmentations.

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arXiv2025

Catastrophic disruption of asteroid 2023 CX1 and implications for planetary defense

Mitigation of the threat from airbursting asteroids requires an understanding of the potential risk they pose for the ground. How asteroids release their kinetic energy in the atmosphere is not well understood due to the rarity of significant impacts. Ordinary chondrites, in particular L chondrites, represent a frequent type of Earth-impacting asteroids. Here, we present the first comprehensive, space-to-lab characterization of an L chondrite impact. Small asteroid 2023 CX1 was detected in space and predicted to impact over Normandy, France, on 13 February 2023. Observations from multiple independent sensors and reduction techniques revealed an unusual but potentially high-risk fragmentation behavior. The nearly spherical 650 $\pm$ 160 kg (72 $\pm$ 6 cm diameter) asteroid catastrophically fragmented around 28 km altitude, releasing 98% of its total energy in a concentrated region of the atmosphere. The resulting shockwave was spherical, not cylindrical, and released more energy closer to the ground. This type of fragmentation increases the risk of significant damage at ground level. These results warrant consideration for a planetary defense strategy for cases where a >3-4 MPa dynamic pressure is expected, including planning for evacuation of areas beneath anticipated disruption locations.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2023

Current status of the Extension of the FRIPON network in Chile

FRIPON is an efficient ground-based network for the detection and characterization of fireballs, which was initiated in France in 2016 with over one hundred cameras and which has been very successfully extended to Europe and Canada with one hundred more stations. After seven successful years of operation in the northern hemisphere, it seems necessary to extend this network towards the southern hemisphere - where the lack of detection is evident - to obtain an exhaustive view of fireball activity. The task of extending the network to any region outside the northern hemisphere presents the challenge of a new installation process, where the recommended and tested version of the several sub-systems that compose a station had to be replaced due to regional availability and compatibility considerations, as well as due to constant software and hardware obsolescence and updates. In Chile, we have a unique geography, with a vast extension in latitude, as well as desert regions, which have generated the need to evaluate the scientific and technical performance of the network under special conditions, prioritizing the optimization of a set of factors related to the deployment process, as well as the feasible and achievable versions of the required components, the geographical location of the stations, and their respective operational, maintenance, safety, and communication conditions. In this talk, we will present the current status of this effort, including a brief report on the obstacles and difficulties encountered and how we have solved them, the current operational status of the network in Northern Chile, as well as the challenges and prospects for the densification of the network over South America.

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arXiv2023

Kilometric type II radio emissions in Wind/WAVES TNR data and association with interplanetary structures near Earth

Type II radio bursts arise as a consequence of shocks typically driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). When these shocks propagate outward from the Sun, their associated radio emissions drift down in frequency as excited particles emit at the local plasma frequency, creating the usual Type II patterns. In this work, we use dynamic spectra from the Wind/WAVES Thermal Noise Receiver (TNR) to identify Type II radio emissions in the kilometric wavelength range (kmTIIs, f < 300 kHz) between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012, i.e. over a solar cycle. We identified 134 kmTII events and compiled various characteristics for each of them. Of particular importance is the finding of 45 kmTII events not reported by the official Wind/WAVES catalog (based on RAD1 and RAD2 data). We search for associations with interplanetary structures and analyze their main characteristics, in order to reveal distinctive attributes that may correlate with the occurrence of kmTII emission. We find that the fraction of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) classified as magnetic clouds (MCs) that are associated with kmTIIs is roughly similar to that of MCs not associated with kmTIIs. Conversely, the fraction of ICMEs with bidirectional electrons is significantly larger for those ICMEs associated with kmTIIs (74% vs. 48%). Likewise, ICMEs associated with kmTIIs are on average 23% faster. The disturbance storm time (DsT) mean value is almost twice as large for kmTII-associated ICMEs, indicating that they tend to produce intense geomagnetic storms. In addition, the proportion of ICMEs producing moderate to intense geomagnetic storms is twice as large for the kmTII-associated ICMEs. After this investigation, TNR data prove to be valuable not only as complementary data for the analysis of kmTII events but also for forecasting the arrival of shocks at Earth.

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arXiv2023

Quantifying errors in 3D CME parameters derived from synthetic data using white-light reconstruction techniques

(Shortened version) Current efforts in space weather forecasting of CMEs have been focused on predicting their arrival time and magnetic structure. To make predictions, methods have been developed to derive the true CME speed, size and position, among others. Difficulties in determining input parameters for CME forecasting arise from the lack of direct measurements of the coronal magnetic fields and uncertainties in estimating the CME 3D geometric and kinematic parameters. White-light coronagraph images are usually employed by a variety of CME reconstruction techniques. We explore how subjectivity affects the 3D CME parameters that are obtained from the GCS reconstruction technique. We have designed two different synthetic scenarios where the ``true'' geometric parameters are known in order to quantify such uncertainties for the first time. We explore this as follows: 1) Using the ray-tracing option from the GCS model software, and 2) Using 3D MHD simulation data from the MAS code. Our experiment includes different viewing configurations using single and multiple viewpoints. CME reconstructions using a single viewpoint had the largest errors and error ranges for both synthetic GCS and simulated MHD white-light data. Increasing the number of viewpoints to two, the errors decreased by about 4$^\circ$ in latitude, 22$^\circ$ in longitude, 14$^\circ$ in tilt, and 10$^\circ$ in half-angle, pointing towards a need for at least two viewpoints. We found the following CME parameter error bars as a starting point for quantifying the minimum error in CME parameters from white-light reconstructions: $Δθ$ (latitude)=${6^\circ}$, $Δϕ$ (longitude)=${11^\circ}$, $Δγ$ (tilt)=${25^\circ}$, $Δα$ (half-angle)=${10^\circ}$, $Δh$ (height)=$0.6 R_{\odot}$, and $Δκ$ (ratio)=$0.1$.

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arXiv2022

Distorted-Toroidal Flux Rope model for Heliospheric Flux Ropes

The three-dimensional characterization of magnetic flux-ropes observed in the heliosphere has been a challenging task for decades. This is mainly due to the limitation to infer the 3D global topology and the physical properties from the 1D time series from any spacecraft. To advance our understanding of magnetic flux-ropes whose configuration departs from the typical stiff geometries, here we present the analytical solution for a 3D flux-rope model with an arbitrary cross-section and a toroidal global shape. This constitutes the next level of complexity following the elliptic-cylindrical (EC) geometry. The mathematical framework was established by Nieves-Chinchilla et al. (2018) ApJ, with the EC flux-rope model that describes the magnetic topology with elliptical cross-section as a first approach to changes in the cross-section. In the distorted-toroidal flux rope model, the cross-section is described by a general function. The model is completely described by a non-orthogonal geometry and the Maxwell equations can be consistently solved to obtain the magnetic field and relevant physical quantities. As a proof of concept, this model is generalized in terms of the radial dependence of current density components. The last part of this paper is dedicated to a specific function, $F(φ)=δ(1-λ\cosφ)$, to illustrate possibilities of the model. This model paves the way to investigate complex distortions of the magnetic structures in the solar wind. Future investigations will in-depth explore these distortions by analyzing specific events, the implications in the physical quantities, such as magnetic fluxes, heliciy or energy, and evaluating the force balance with the ambient solar wind that allows such distortions.

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arXiv2022

Analysis of the Evolution of a Multi-Ribbon Flare and Failed Filament Eruption

How filaments form and erupt are topics about which solar researchers have wondered since more than a century and that are still open to debate. We present observations of a filament formation, its failed eruption, and the associated flare (SOL2019-05-09T05:51) that occurred in active region (AR) 12740 using data from SDO, STEREO-A, IRIS, and NSO/GONG. AR 12740 was a decaying region formed by a very disperse following polarity and a strong leading spot, surrounded by a highly dynamic zone where moving magnetic features (MMFs) were seen constantly diverging from the spot. Our analysis indicates that the filament was formed by the convergence of fibrils at a location where magnetic flux cancellation was observed. Furthermore, we conclude that its destabilization was also related to flux cancellation associated to the constant shuffling of the MMFs. A two-ribbon flare occurred associated to the filament eruption; however, because the large-scale magnetic configuration of the AR was quadrupolar, two additional flare ribbons developed far from the two main ones. We model the magnetic configuration of the AR using a force-free field approach at the AR scale size. This local model is complemented by a global potential-field source-surface one. Based on the local model, we propose a scenario in which the filament failed eruption and flare are due to two reconnection processes, one occurring below the erupting filament, leading to the two-ribbon flare, and another one above it between the filament flux-rope configuration and the large-scale closed loops. Our computation of the reconnected magnetic flux added to the erupting flux rope, compared to that of the large-scale field overlying it, lets us conclude that the latter was large enough to prevent the filament eruption. A similar conjecture can be drawn from the computation of the magnetic tension derived from the global field model.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2022

Direct First PSP Observation of the Interaction of Two Successive Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections in November 2020

We investigate the effects of the evolutionary processes in the internal magnetic structure of two interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) detected in situ between 2020 November 29 and December 1 by Parker Solar Probe (PSP). The sources of the ICMEs were observed remotely at the Sun in EUV and subsequently tracked to their coronal counterparts in white light. This period is of particular interest to the community since it has been identified as the first widespread solar energetic particle event of Solar Cycle 25. The distribution of various solar and heliospheric-dedicated spacecraft throughout the inner heliosphere during PSP observations of these large-scale magnetic structures enables a comprehensive analysis of the internal evolution and topology of such structures. By assembling different models and techniques, we identify the signatures of interaction between the two consecutive ICMEs and the implications for their internal structure. We use multispacecraft observations in combination with a remote-sensing forward modeling technique, numerical propagation models, and in-situ reconstruction techniques. The outcome, from the full reconciliations, demonstrates that the two CMEs are interacting in the vicinity of PSP. Thus, we identify the in-situ observations based on the physical processes that are associated with the interaction and collision of both CMEs. We also expand the flux rope modeling and in-situ reconstruction technique to incorporate the aging and expansion effects in a distorted internal magnetic structure and explore the implications of both effects in the magnetic configuration of the ICMEs.

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arXiv2021

Polarity relevance in flux rope deflections triggered by coronal holes

Many observations show that coronal holes (CHs) deviate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) away from them. However, there are some peculiar events reported where the opposite occurs. To contribute to a space weather forecast efforts, in relation to the prediction of CME trajectories, we study the interaction between flux ropes (FRs) and CHs through numerical simulations. We perform 2.5D numerical simulations where FRs and CHs interact with different relative polarity configurations. We also reconstruct the trajectory and magnetic environment of a peculiar event occurred on 30 April 2012. The numerical simulations indicate that at low coronal levels, depending on the relative magnetic field polarity between the FR and the CH, the deflection will be attractive, i.e. the FR moves towards the CH (for anti-aligned polarities) or repulsive, i.e. the FR moves away to the CH (for aligned polarities). This is likely due to the formation of vanishing magnetic field regions or null points, located between the FR and the CH or, at the other side of the FR, respectively. The analysed observational event shows a double-deflection, first departing from the radial direction by approaching the CH and then moving away from it suggesting that the trajectory could result from a magnetic configuration with an anti-aligned polarity. We numerically reproduce the double deflection of the observed event, providing support to this conjecture.

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arXiv2020

Asymmetric expansion of coronal mass ejections in the low corona

Aims. The study of the morphology of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is an auspicious approach to understanding how magnetic fields are structured within CMEs. Although earlier studies have suggested an asymmetry in the width of CMEs in orthogonal directions, this has not been inspected using multi-viewpoint observations. Methods. We inspect the early evolution (below ten solar radii) of the morphology of a dozen CMEs occurring under specific conditions of observing spacecraft location and CME trajectory, favorable to reduce uncertainties typically involved in the 3D reconstruction used here. These events are carefully reconstructed by means of a forward modeling tool using simultaneous observations of STEREO EUVI and SDO/AIA as input when originating low in the corona, and followed up in the outer fields of view of the STEREO and the SOHO coronagraphs. We then examine the height evolution of the morphological parameters arising from the reconstructions. Results. The multi-viewpoint analysis of this set of CMEs revealed that their initial expansion --below three solar radii-- is considerably asymmetric and non-self-similar. Both angular widths, namely along the main axes of CMEs ($AW_L$) and in the orthogonal direction ($AW_D$, representative of the flux rope diameter), exhibit much steeper change rates below this height, with the growth rate of $AW_L$ found to be larger than that of $AW_D$, also below that height. Angular widths along the main axes of CMEs are on average $\approx$1.8 times larger than widths in the orthogonal direction $AW_D$. The ratios of the two expansion speeds, namely in the directions of CMEs main axes and in their orthogonal, are nearly constant in time after $\sim$4 solar radii, with an average ratio $\approx$1.6. Heights at which the width change rate is defined to stabilize are greater for $AW_L$ than for $AW_D$.

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arXiv2019

Analysis of a long-duration AR throughout five solar rotations: Magnetic properties and ejective events

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are among the most magnificent solar eruptions, are a major driver of space weather and can thus affect diverse human technologies. Different processes have been proposed to explain the initiation and release of CMEs from solar active regions (ARs), without reaching consensus on which is the predominant scenario, and thus rendering impossible to accurately predict when a CME is going to erupt from a given AR. To investigate AR magnetic properties that favor CMEs production, we employ multi-spacecraft data to analyze a long duration AR (NOAA 11089, 11100, 11106, 11112 and 11121) throughout its complete lifetime, spanning five Carrington rotations from July to November 2010. We use data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory to study the evolution of the AR magnetic properties during the five near-side passages, and a proxy to follow the magnetic flux changes when no magnetograms are available, i.e. during far-side transits. We characterized the angular widths, speeds and masses of 108 CMEs that we associated to the AR, when examining a 124-day period. Such an ejectivity tracking was possible thanks to the multiviewpoint images provided by the STEREO and SOHO in a quasiquadrature configuration. We also inspected the X-ray flares registered by the GOES satellite and found 162 to be associated to the AR under study. Given the substantial number of ejections studied, we use a statistical approach instead of a single-event analysis. We found three well defined periods of very high CMEs activity and two periods with no mass ejections that are preceded or accompanied by characteristic changes in the AR magnetic flux, free magnetic energy and/or presence of electric currents. Our large sample of CMEs and long term study of a single AR, provide further evidence relating AR magnetic activity to CME and Flare production.

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arXiv2017

Moreton and EUV Waves Associated with an X1.0 Flare and CME Ejection

A Moreton wave was detected in active region (AR) 12017 on 29 March 2014 with very high cadence with the Halpha Solar Telescope for Argentina (HASTA) in association with an X1.0 flare (SOL2014-03-29T17:48). Several other phenomena took place in connection with this event, such as low coronal waves and a coronal mass ejection (CME). We analyze the association between the Moreton wave and the EUV signatures observed with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory. These include their low-coronal surface-imprint, and the signatures of the full wave and shock dome propagating outward in the corona. We also study their relation to the white-light CME. We perform a kinematic analysis by tracking the wavefronts in several directions. This analysis reveals a high-directional dependence of accelerations and speeds determined from data at various wavelengths. We speculate that a region of open magnetic field lines northward of our defined radiant point sets favorable conditions for the propagation of a coronal magnetohydrodynamic shock in this direction. The hypothesis that the Moreton wavefront is produced by a coronal shock-wave that pushes the chromosphere downward is supported by the high compression ratio in that region. Furthermore, we propose a 3D geometrical model to explain the observed wavefronts as the chromospheric and low-coronal traces of an expanding and outward-traveling bubble intersecting the Sun. The results of the model are in agreement with the coronal shock-wave being generated by a 3D piston that expands at the speed of the associated rising filament. The piston is attributed to the fast ejection of the filament-CME ensemble, also consistent with the good match between the speed profiles of the low-coronal and white-light shock-waves.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Mass Loss Evolution in the EUV Low Corona from SDO/AIA Data

We carry out an analysis of the evacuated mass from three coronal dimming regions observed by the {\it Atmospheric Imaging Assembly} (AIA) on board the {\it Solar Dynamics Observatory}. The three events are unambiguously identified with white-light coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated in turn with surface activity of diverse nature: an impulsive (M-class) flare, a weak (B-class) flare and a filament eruption without a flare. The use of three AIA coronal passbands allows applying a differential emission measure technique to define the dimming regions and identify their evacuated mass through the analysis of the electronic density depletion associated to the eruptions. The temporal evolution of the mass loss from the three dimmings can be approximated by an exponential equation followed by a linear fit. We determine the mass of the associated CMEs from COR2 data. The results show that the evacuated masses from the low corona represent a considerable amount of the mass of the CMEs. We also find that plasma is still being evacuated from the low corona at the time when the CMEs reach the COR2 field of view. The temporal evolution of the angular width of the CMEs, of the dimming regions in the low corona, and of the flux registered by GOES in soft X-rays are all in close relation with the behavior of mass evacuation from the low corona. We discuss the implications of our findings toward a better understanding of the temporal evolution of several parameters associated to the analyzed dimmings and CMEs.

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