arXiv subjects

Huidong Hu

Publications and source records attributed to Huidong Hu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A Major Geomagnetic Storm in 2024 October Linked to Sympathetic CME--Prominence Eruptions

Improving predictions of the geomagnetic impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) requires understanding how solar source properties relate to in-situ measurements at Earth. However, major geomagnetic storms frequently arise from interacting CMEs, complicating the link back to their solar origins. We analyze a CME interaction event that caused a major geomagnetic storm in 2024 October 10-11 (D$_{st}$ $\sim$-333 nT). Multiviewpoint observations reveal that the storm was related to a sympathetic eruption involving a quiescent filament and an active-region CME. The coronagraph on board the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory clearly shows that this sympathetic eruption resulted in two distinct CMEs. Due to the overlap of the CMEs in the coronagraph field of view (FOV), a spheroid shock model was used to fit the observed shock. Kinematic analysis indicates that the interacting CMEs had completed their impulsive acceleration phase before entering the coronagraph FOV, with a slow deceleration continuing beyond 100 R$_\odot$. In-situ measurements indicate that the enhanced southward magnetic fields, arising from compression during CME interactions, were the primary driver of the storm. Compared to photospheric fields, the in-situ magnetic fields suggest that the trailing CME maintained flux-rope-like signatures consistent with the source region. In contrast, the compressed leading CME displayed varying magnetic configurations between Wind and STEREO-A, featuring distorted flux-rope signatures and inconsistent inferred axis orientations. Our study bridges solar source dynamics to in-situ multipoint measurements, providing key insights for space weather prediction. Nevertheless, the direct linkage between source-region magnetic field configurations and these measurements remains tentative and requires further investigation.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Lateral Deformation of Large-scale Coronal Mass Ejections during the Transition from Non-radial to Radial Propagation

Many coronal mass ejections (CMEs) initially propagate non-radially, and then transition to radial propagation in the corona. This directional transition is a significant process that determines a CME's space weather effects but remains poorly understood. Based on multi-wavelength observations, we investigate the transition from non-radial to radial propagation in the low corona for two large-scale CMEs from the same active region on the solar limb. In the beginning, both CMEs move in a non-radial direction, beneath a system of overlying loops that are roughly parallel to the flux-rope axis. The CMEs laterally deform by bulging their upper flanks in the non-radial stage toward the higher corona, which results in the transition to a radial propagation direction approximately 25$^\circ$ away from the eruption site. After the directional transition, the non-radial-stage upper flank becomes the leading edge in the radial stage. Although the overlying loops do not strap over the flux rope, their strong magnetic tension force constrains the radial expansion of part of the CME during the transition by acting on the flux-rope legs. A major portion of the filament is displaced to the southern part of a CME in the radial stage, which implies the complexity of observational CME features. This study presents the first investigation of the lateral deformation during the transition of CMEs from non-radial to radial in the low corona, and makes an essential contribution to the complete CME evolution picture.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2025

Inertial-range Turbulence Anisotropy of the Young Solar Wind from Different Source Regions

We investigate the wavevector and variance anisotropies in the inertial range of the young solar wind observed by the Parker Solar Probe (PSP). Using the first 19 encounters of PSP measurements, we identify the young solar wind from different source regions: coronal hole (CH) interiors, streamers, and low Mach-number boundary layers (LMBLs), i.e., the peripheral region inside CHs. We assess the wavevector anisotropy with the 2D and slab turbulence model for the CH wind and the streamer wind, and the nearly incompressible (NI) MHD turbulence model for the LMBL wind where Taylor's hypothesis becomes questionable. Unlike the $\sim80\%$ 2D contribution typically reported at 1 au, our results show that only $26\%$ of the inertial range energy is associated with 2D fluctuations in the CH wind, and this fraction increases to $45\%$ in the streamer wind. As a representation of the LMBL wind, similarly, the oblique sub-Alfvénic intervals and the near-subsonic intervals are characterized by the dominance of slab fluctuations. All the results suggest that slab fluctuations are more abundant in the young solar wind below 0.3 au than at 1 au. Furthermore, we find a dependence of the variance anisotropy in the inertial range on proton plasma beta $β_p$. The variance anisotropy is the strongest in the LMBL wind with the lowest $β_p$, and the weakest in the streamer wind with the highest $β_p$. This contrast can be interpreted as the remnant of fluctuations from the coronal sources.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Limb Observations of Global Solar Coronal Extreme-ultraviolet Wavefronts: The Inclination, Kinematics, Coupling with the Expanding Coronal Mass Ejections, and Connection with the Coronal Mass Ejection Driven Shocks

We select and investigate six global solar extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wave events using data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. These eruptions are all on the limb but recorded as halo coronal mass ejections (CMEs) because the CME-driven shocks have expanded laterally to the opposite side. With the limb observations avoiding the projection effect, we have measured the inclination and speed of the EUV wavefront from 1.05 to 1.25 $R_\odot$. We also investigate the coupling and connection of the EUV wavefront with the CME boundary and the CME-driven shock, respectively. The major findings in the six events are: (1) the forward inclination of the primary and coronal-hole-transmitted EUV wavefronts is estimated, respectively, and the origins of these inclinations and their effects on the estimate of actual wavefronts speed are investigated; (2) the wavefront speed can be elevated by loop systems near the coronal base, and the average speed in the low corona has no clear correlation with the lateral expansion of the CME-driven shock in the high corona; (3) the fast magnetosonic Mach number of the wavefront is larger than unity from the coronal base; (4) the EUV wavefront is coupled with the CME driver throughout the propagation in two events; (5) after the EUV wavefront vanishes, the CME-driven shock continues traveling on the opposite side and disconnects from the EUV wavefront in four events. These results and their implications are discussed, which provide insight into the properties of global EUV waves.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Unveiling Key Factors in the Solar Eruptions Leading to the Solar Superstorm in 2024 May

NOAA Active Region (AR) 13664/8 produced the most intense geomagnetic effects since the ``Halloween'' event of 2003. The resulting extreme solar storm is believed to be the consequence of multiple interacting coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Notably, this AR exhibites an exceptionally rapid magnetic flux emergence. The eruptions we are focusing on all occurred along collisional polarity inversion lines (PILs) through ``collisional shearing'' during a three-day period of extraordinarily high flux emergence ($\sim$10$^{21}$ Mx hr$^{-1}$). Our key findings reveal how photospheric magnetic configurations in eruption sources influence solar superstorm formation and geomagnetic responses, and link exceptionally strong flux emergence to sequential homologous eruptions: (1) We identified the source regions of seven halo CMEs, distributed primarily along two distinct PILs, suggesting the presence of two groups of homologous CMEs. (2) The variations in magnetic flux emergence rates at the source regions correlate with CME intensities, potentially explaining the two contrasting cases of complex ejecta observed at Earth. (3) Calculations of magnetic field gradients around CME source regions show strong correlations with eruptions, providing crucial insights into solar eruption mechanisms and enhancing future prediction capabilities.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

High-resolution Observations of Clustered Dynamic Extreme-Ultraviolet Bright Tadpoles near the Footpoints of Corona Loops

An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) close-up view of the Sun offers unprecedented detail of heating events in the solar corona. Enhanced temporal and spatial images obtained by the Solar Orbiter during its first science perihelion enabled us to identify clustered EUV bright tadpoles (CEBTs) occurring near the footpoints of coronal loops. Combining SDO/AIA observations, we determine the altitudes of six distinct CEBTs by stereoscopy, ranging from $\sim$1300 to 3300 km. We then notice a substantial presence of dark, cooler filamentary structures seemingly beneath the CEBTs, displaying periodic up-and-down motions lasting 3 to 5 minutes. This periodic behavior suggests an association of the majority of CEBTs with Type I spicules. Out of the ten selected CEBTs with fast downward velocity, six exhibit corrected velocities close to or exceeding 50 km $s^{-1}$. These velocities notably surpass the typical speeds of Type I spicules. We explore the generation of such velocities. It indicates that due to the previous limited observations of spicules in the EUV wavelengths, they may reveal novel observational features beyond our current understanding. Gaining insights into these features contributes to a better comprehension of small-scale coronal heating dynamics.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

A Pileup of Coronal Mass Ejections Produced the Largest Geomagnetic Storm in Two Decades

The largest geomagnetic storm in two decades occurred in 2024 May with a minimum $D_{\rm st}$ of $-412$ nT. We examine its solar and interplanetary origins by combining multipoint imaging and in situ observations. The source active region, NOAA AR 13664, exhibited extraordinary activity and produced successive halo eruptions, which were responsible for two complex ejecta observed at the Earth. In situ measurements from STEREO A, which was $12.6^{\circ}$ apart, allow us to compare the ``geo-effectiveness" at the Earth and STEREO A. We obtain key findings concerning the formation of solar superstorms and how mesoscale variations of coronal mass ejections affect geo-effectiveness: (1) the 2024 May storm supports the hypothesis that solar superstorms are ``perfect storms" in nature, i.e., a combination of circumstances resulting in an event of an unusual magnitude; (2) the first complex ejecta, which caused the geomagnetic superstorm, shows considerable differences in the magnetic field and associated ``geo-effectiveness" between the Earth and STEREO A, despite a mesoscale separation; and (3) two contrasting cases of complex ejecta are found in terms of the geo-effectiveness at the Earth, which is largely due to different magnetic field configurations within the same active region.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Formation of a Magnetic Cloud from the Merging of Two Successive Coronal Mass Ejections

On 2022 March 28 two successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed by multiple spacecraft and resulted in a magnetic cloud (MC) at 1 AU. We investigate the propagation and interaction properties of the two CMEs correlated with the MC using coordinated multi-point remote sensing and in situ observations from Solar Orbiter, STEREO A, SOHO, and Wind. The first CME was triggered by a filament eruption with a high inclination angle. Roughly 9 hr later, the second CME originating from the same active region erupted with a smaller tilt angle and faster speed compared to the first one. The second CME overtook the preceding CME and formed a merged front at approximately 75 \rsun{}, which developed into a complex ejecta at 1 AU. The descending speed and low proton temperature inside the complex ejecta suggest that the two CMEs have fully merged before reaching 1 AU, leading them to begin expanding rather than compressing against each other. The complex ejecta appears to have the magnetic field and plasma signatures of an MC, although there is a discontinuity in the magnetic field implying previous interactions. The cross section of the complex ejecta, reconstructed from in situ data using a Grad-Shafranov technique, exhibits a right--handed flux rope structure. These results highlight that an MC--like complex ejecta lacking interaction features could arise from the complete merging of two CMEs.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2024

Direct In Situ Measurements of a Fast Coronal Mass Ejection and Associated Structures in the Corona

We report on the first direct in situ measurements of a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) and shock in the corona, which occurred on 2022 September 5. In situ measurements from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft near perihelion suggest two shocks with the second one decayed, which is consistent with more than one eruptions in coronagraph images. Despite a flank crossing, the measurements indicate unique features of the young ejecta: a plasma much hotter than the ambient medium suggestive of a hot solar source, and a large plasma $β$ implying a highly non-force-free state and the importance of thermal pressure gradient for CME acceleration and expansion. Reconstruction of the global coronal magnetic fields shows a long-duration change in the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), and the observed field polarity reversals agree with a more warped HCS configuration. Reconnection signatures are observed inside an HCS crossing as deep as the sonic critical point. As the reconnection occurs in the sub-Alfvénic wind, the reconnected flux sunward of the reconnection site can close back to the Sun, which helps balance magnetic flux in the heliosphere. The nature of the sub-Alfvénic wind after the HCS crossing as a low Mach-number boundary layer (LMBL) leads to in situ measurements of the near subsonic plasma at a surprisingly large distance. Specifically, an LMBL may provide favorable conditions for the crossings of the sonic critical point in addition to the Alfvén surface.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

Observations of Mini Coronal Dimmings Caused by Small-scale Eruptions in the Quiet Sun

Small-scale eruptions could play an important role in coronal heating, generation of solar energetic particles (SEPs), and mass source of the solar wind. However, they are poorly observed, and their characteristics, distributions, and origins remain unclear. Here a mini coronal dimming was captured by the recently launched Solar Orbiter spacecraft. The observations indicate that a minifilament eruption results in the dimming and takes away approximately $(1.65\pm0.54)\times10^{13}$ g of mass, which also exhibits similar features as the sources of SEP events. The released magnetic free energy is of the order of $\sim10^{27}$ erg. Our results suggest that weak constraining force makes the flux rope associated with the minifilament easily enter a torus-unstable domain. We discuss that weak magnetic constraints from low-altitude background fields may be a general condition for the quiet-Sun eruptions, which provide a possible mechanism for the transport of coronal material and energy from the lower to the middle or even higher corona.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

On the Generation and Evolution of Switchbacks and the Morphology of Alfvénic Transition: Low Mach-number Boundary Layers

We investigate the generation and evolution of switchbacks (SBs), the nature of the sub-Alfvénic wind observed by Parker Solar Probe (PSP), and the morphology of the Alfvénic transition, all of which are key issues in solar wind research. First we highlight a special structure in the pristine solar wind, termed a low Mach-number boundary layer (LMBL). An increased Alfvén radius and suppressed SBs are observed within an LMBL. A probable source on the Sun for an LMBL is the peripheral region inside a coronal hole with rapidly diverging open fields. The sub-Alfvénic wind detected by PSP is an LMBL flow by nature. The similar origin and similar properties of the sub-Alfvénic intervals favor a wrinkled surface for the morphology of the Alfvénic transition. We find that a larger deflection angle tends to be associated with a higher Alfvén Mach number. The magnetic deflections have an origin well below the Alfvén critical point, and deflection angles larger than $90^{\circ}$ seem to occur only when $M_{\rm A} \gtrsim 2$. The velocity enhancement in units of the local Alfvén speed generally increases with the deflection angle, which is explained by a simple model. A nonlinearly evolved, saturated state is revealed for SBs, where the local Alfvén speed is roughly an upper bound for the velocity enhancement. In the context of these results, the most promising theory on the origin of SBs is the model of expanding waves and turbulence, and the patchy distribution of SBs is attributed to modulation by reductions in the Alfvén Mach number. Finally, a picture on the generation and evolution of SBs is created based on the results.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2022

Spectroscopic and Imaging Observations of Spatially Extended Magnetic Reconnection in the Splitting of a Solar Filament Structure

On the Sun, Doppler shifts of bidirectional outflows from the magnetic-reconnection site have been found only in confined regions through spectroscopic observations. Without spatially resolved spectroscopic observations across an extended region, the distribution of reconnection and its outflows in the solar atmosphere cannot be made clear. Magnetic reconnection is thought to cause the splitting of filament structures, but unambiguous evidence has been elusive. Here we report spectroscopic and imaging analysis of a magnetic-reconnection event on the Sun, using high-resolution data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph and the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Our findings reveal that the reconnection region extends to an unprecedented length of no less than 14,000 km. The reconnection splits a filament structure into two branches, and the upper branch erupts eventually. Doppler shifts indicate clear bidirectional outflows of ~100 km/s, which decelerate beyond the reconnection site. Differential-emission-measure analysis reveals that in the reconnection region the temperature reaches over 10 MK and the thermal energy is much larger than the kinetic energy. This Letter provides definite spectroscopic evidence for the splitting of a solar filament by magnetic reconnection in an extended region.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2022

Observations of a Flare-ignited broad Quasi-periodic Fast-propagating wave train

Large-scale Extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves are frequently observed as an accompanying phenomenon of flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Previous studies mainly focus on EUV waves with single wavefronts that are generally thought to be driven by the lateral expansion of CMEs. Using high spatio-temporal resolution multi-angle imaging observations taken by the Solar Dynamic Observatory and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, we present the observation of a broad quasi-periodic fast propagating (QFP) wave train composed of multiple wavefronts along the solar surface during the rising phase of a GOES M3.5 flare on 2011 February 24. The wave train transmitted through a lunate coronal hole (CH) with a speed of 840 +/-67 km/s, and the wavefronts showed an intriguing refraction effect when they passed through the boundaries of the CH. Due to the lunate shape of the CH, the transmitted wavefronts from the north and south arms of the CH started to approach each other and finally collided, leading to the significant intensity enhancement at the collision site. This enhancement might hint the occurrence of interference between the two transmitted wave trains. The estimated magnetosonic Mach number of the wave train is about 1.13, which indicates that the observed wave train was a weak shock. Period analysis reveals that the period of wave train was $\sim$90 seconds, in good agreement with that of the accompanying flare. Based on our analysis results, we conclude that the broad QFP wave train was a large-amplitude fast-mode magnetosonic wave or a weak shock driven by some non-linear energy release processes in the accompanying flare.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2022

Buildup of the Magnetic Flux Ropes in Homologous Solar Eruptions

Homologous coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are an interesting phenomenon, and it is possible to investigate the formation of CMEs by comparing multi-CMEs under a homologous physical condition. AR 11283 had been present on the solar surface for several days when a bipole emerged on 2011 September 4. Its positive polarity collided with the pre-existing negative polarity belonging to a different bipole, producing recurrent solar activities along the polarity inversion line (PIL) between the colliding polarities, namely the so-called collisional PIL (cPIL). Our results show that a large amount of energy and helicity were built up in the form of magnetic flux ropes (MFRs), with recurrent release and accumulation processes. These MFRs were built up along the cPIL. A flux deficit method is adopted and shows that magnetic cancellation happens along the cPIL due to the collisional shearing scenario proposed by Chintzoglou et al. The total amount of canceled flux was $\sim$0.7$\times$10$^{21}$ Mx with an uncertainty of $\sim$13.2$\%$ within the confidence region of the 30$^\circ$ sun-center distance. The canceled flux amounts to 24$\%$ of the total unsigned flux of the bipolar magnetic region. The results show that the magnetic fields beside the cPIL are very sheared, and the average shear angle is above 70$^\circ$ after the collision. The fast expansion of the twist kernels of the MFRs and the continuous eruptive activities are both driven by the collisional shearing process. These results are important for better understanding the buildup process of the MFRs associated with homologous solar eruptions.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Characteristics of a Gradual Filament Eruption and Subsequent CME Propagation in Relation to a Strong Geomagnetic Storm

An unexpected strong geomagnetic storm occurred on 2018 August 26, which was caused by a slow coronal mass ejection (CME) from a gradual eruption of a large quiet-region filament. We investigate the eruption and propagation characteristics of this CME in relation to the strong geomagnetic storm with remote sensing and in situ observations. Coronal magnetic fields around the filament are extrapolated and compared with EUV observations. We determine the propagation direction and tilt angle of the CME flux rope near the Sun using a graduated cylindrical shell (GCS) model and the Sun-to-Earth kinematics of the CME with wide-angle imaging observations from STEREO A. We reconstruct the flux-rope structure using a Grad-Shafranov technique based on the in situ measurements at the Earth and compare it with those from solar observations and the GCS results. Our conclusions are as follows: (1) the eruption of the filament was unusually slow and occurred in the regions with relatively low critical heights of the coronal field decay index; (2) the axis of the CME flux rope rotated in the corona as well as in interplanetary space, which tended to be aligned with the local heliospheric current sheet; (3) the CME was bracketed between slow and fast solar winds, which enhanced the magnetic field inside the CME at 1 AU; (4) the geomagnetic storm was caused by the enhanced magnetic field and a southward orientation of the flux rope at 1 AU from the rotation of the flux rope.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Quantifying the Propagation of Fast Coronal Mass Ejections from the Sun to Interplanetary Space Combining Remote Sensing and Multi-Point in-situ Observations

In order to have a comprehensive view of the propagation and evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun to deep interplanetary space beyond 1 au, we carry out a kinematic analysis of 7 CMEs in solar cycle 23. The events are required to have coordinated coronagraph observations, interplanetary type II radio bursts, and multi-point in-situ measurements at the Earth and Ulysses. A graduated cylindrical shell model, an analytical model without free parameters and a magnetohydrodynamic model are used to derive CME kinematics near the Sun, to quantify the CME/shock propagation in the Sun-Earth space, and to connect in-situ signatures at the Earth and Ulysses, respectively. We find that each of the 7 CME-driven shocks experienced a major deceleration before reaching 1 au and thereafter propagated with a gradual deceleration from the Earth to larger distances. The resulting CME/shock propagation profile for each case is roughly consistent with all the data, which verifies the usefulness of the simple analytical model for CME/shock propagation in the heliosphere. The statistical analysis of CME kinematics indicates a tendency that the faster the CME, the larger the deceleration, and the shorter the deceleration time period within 1 au. For several of these events, the associated geomagnetic storms were mainly caused by the southward magnetic fields in the sheath region. In particular, the interaction between a CME-driven shock and a preceding ejecta significantly enhanced the preexisting southward magnetic fields and gave rise to a severe complex geomagnetic storm.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Effects of Coronal Density and Magnetic Field Distributions on a Global Solar EUV Wave

We investigate a global extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wave associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shock on 2017 September 10. The EUV wave is transmitted by north- and south-polar coronal holes (CHs), which is observed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory A (STEREO-A) from opposite sides of the Sun. We obtain key findings on how the EUV wave interacts with multiple coronal structures, and on its connection with the CME-driven shock: (1) the transmitted EUV wave is still connected with the shock that is incurvated to the Sun, after the shock has reached the opposite side of the eruption; (2) the south CH transmitted EUV wave is accelerated inside an on-disk, low-density region with closed magnetic fields, which implies that an EUV wave can be accelerated in both open and closed magnetic field regions; (3) part of the primary EUV wavefront turns around a bright point (BP) with a bipolar magnetic structure when it approaches a dim, low-density filament channel near the BP; (4) the primary EUV wave is diffused and apparently halted near the boundaries of remote active regions (ARs) that are far from the eruption, and no obvious AR related secondary waves are detected; (5) the EUV wave extends to an unprecedented scale of ~360° in latitudes, which is attributed to the polar CH transmission. These results provide insights into the effects of coronal density and magnetic field distributions on the evolution of an EUV wave, and into the connection between the EUV wave and the associated CME-driven shock.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

A Comparative Study of 2017 July and 2012 July Complex Eruptions: Are Solar Superstorms "Perfect Storms" in Nature?

It is paramount from both scientific and societal perspectives to understand the generation of extreme space weather. We discuss the formation of solar superstorms based on a comparative study of the 2012 July 23 and 2017 July 23 eruptions. The first one is Carrington-class, and the second could rival the 1989 March event that caused the most intense geomagnetic storm of the space age. Observations of these events in the historically weak solar cycle 24 indicate that a solar superstorm can occur in any solar cycle and at any phase of the cycle. Recurrent patterns are identified in both cases, including the long-lived eruptive nature of the active region, a complex event composed of successive eruptions from the same active region, and in-transit interaction between the successive eruptions resulting in exceptionally strong ejecta magnetic fields at 1 AU. Each case also shows unique characteristics. Preconditioning of the upstream solar wind leading to unusually high solar wind speeds at 1 AU is observed in the first case whereas not in the latter. This may suggest that the concept of "preconditioning" appears to be necessary for making a Carrington-class storm. We find a considerable deflection by nearby coronal holes in the second case but not in the first. On the basis of these results, we propose a hypothesis for further investigation that superstorms are "perfect storms" in nature, i.e., a combination of circumstances that results in an event of unusual magnitude. Historical records of some extreme events seem to support our hypothesis.

astro-ph.SR↗