November 22, 2013, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

November 22, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

MESSENGER Observations of Reconnection at Mercury

Gina A. Dibraccio - University of Michigan

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are the major drivers of intense space weather. The latest solar-terrestrial spacecraft (STEREO, SDO) have help us shed light on the initial stage and propagation of solar eruptions. However, to make a full use of the new observational capabilities, numerical simulations are also required, for example to separate instrumental effects from the observed physical phenomena, to understand CME rotation and deflection, or to understand complex events involving multiple CMEs. In this talk, I will discuss recent progresses in determining the physical properties of isolated and interacting CMEs obtained by combining numerical models, remote-sensing observations in the corona and in the heliosphere and in-situ measurements. I will also discuss some outstanding issues regarding CMEs to be resolved by future studies and missions.