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Abstract Coronal pseudostreamer flux systems have a specific magnetic configuration that influences the morphology and evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from these regions. Here we continue the analysis of the Wyper et al. magnetohydrodynamic simulation of a CME eruption from an idealized pseudostreamer configuration through the construction of synthetic remote-sensing and in situ observational signatures. We examine the pre-eruption and eruption signatures in extreme ultraviolet and white light from the low corona through the extended solar atmosphere. We calculate synthetic observations corresponding to several Parker Solar Probe–like trajectories at ∼10R⊙to highlight the fine-scale structure of the CME eruption in synthetic WISPR imagery and the differences between the in situ plasma and field signatures of flank and central CME-encounter trajectories. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of several aspects of our simulation results in the context of interpretation and analysis of current and future Parker Solar Probe data.more » « lessFree, publicly-accessible full text available March 19, 2026
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Context.On 13 March 2023, when the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft (S/C) was situated on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth, a large solar eruption took place, which created a strong solar energetic particle (SEP) event observed by multiple S/C all around the Sun. The energetic event was observed at six well-separated locations in the heliosphere, provided by the Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, STEREO A, near-Earth S/C, and MAVEN at Mars. Clear signatures of an in situ shock crossing and a related energetic storm particle (ESP) event were observed at all inner-heliospheric S/C, suggesting that the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shock extended all around the Sun. However, the solar event was accompanied by a series of pre-event CMEs. Aims.We aim to characterize this extreme widespread SEP event and to provide an explanation for the unusual observation of a circumsolar interplanetary shock and a corresponding circumsolar ESP event. Methods.We analyzed data from seven space missions, namely Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, BepiColombo, STEREO A, SOHO, Wind, and MAVEN, to characterize the solar eruption at the Sun, the energetic particle event, and the interplanetary context at each observer location as well as the magnetic connectivity of each observer to the Sun. We then employed magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the solar wind in which we injected various CMEs that were launched before as well as contemporaneously with the solar eruption under study. In particular, we tested two different scenarios that could have produced the observed global ESP event: (1) a single circumsolar blast-wave-like shock launched by the associated solar eruption, and (2) the combination of multiple CMEs driving shocks into different directions. Results.By comparing the simulations of the two scenarios with observations, we find that both settings are able to explain the observations. However, the blast-wave scenario performs slightly better in terms of the predicted shock arrival times at the various observers. Conclusions.Our work demonstrates that a circumsolar ESP event, driven by a single solar eruption into the inner heliosphere, is a realistic scenario.more » « lessFree, publicly-accessible full text available March 1, 2026
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Abstract The anisotropy of energetic particles provides essential information to help resolve the underlying fundamental physics of their spatial distributions, injection, acceleration, and transport processes. In this work, we report an energetic ion enhancement that is characterized by very large and long-lasting anisotropies observed by STEREO A and Solar Orbiter, which are nearly aligned along the same nominal Parker spiral. This ion enhancement appears at the rising phase of a widespread solar energetic particle event that was associated with the farside coronal mass ejection on 2022 February 15. According to our analysis, the long-lasting anisotropy resulted from the continuous injection of energetic ions from a well-connected particle source located beyond the STEREO A’s orbit. Solar Orbiter also observed an interval of very large anisotropy dominated exclusively by sunward streaming ions but with the additional implication that it detected the very early phase of ion injections onto magnetic field lines that newly connected to the particle source, which is likely the first reported event of this kind. These results further illustrate how energetic particle anisotropy information, in particular from multiple observer locations, can be used to disentangle the sources and transport processes of energetic ions, even when their heliospheric context is not simple.more » « less
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Abstract Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and high speed streams (HSSs) are large‐scale transient structures that routinely propagate away from the Sun. Individually, they can cause space weather effects at the Earth, or elsewhere in space, but many of the largest events occur when these structures interact during their interplanetary propagation. We present the initial coupling of Open Solar Physics Rapid Ensemble Information (OSPREI), a model for CME evolution, with Mostly Empirical Operational Wind with a High Speed Stream, a time‐dependent HSS model that can serve as a background for the OSPREI CME. We present several improvements made to OSPREI in order to take advantage of the new time‐dependent, higher‐dimension background. This includes an update in the drag calculation and the ability to determine the rotation of a yaw‐like angle. We present several theoretical case studies, describing the difference in the CME behavior between a HSS background and a quiescent one. This behavior includes interplanetary CME propagation, expansion, deformation, and rotation, as well as the formation of a CME‐driven sheath. We also determine how the CME behavior changes with the HSS size and initial front distance. Generally, for a fast CME, we see that the drag is greatly reduced within the HSS, leading to faster CMEs and shorter travel times. The drag reappears stronger if the CME reaches the stream interaction region or upstream solar wind, leading to a stronger shock with more compression until the CME sufficiently decelerates. We model a CME–HSS interaction event observed by Parker Solar Probe in January 2022. The model improvements create a better match to the observed in situ profiles.more » « less
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Abstract On 2022 February 15–16, multiple spacecraft measured one of the most intense solar energetic particle (SEP) events observed so far in Solar Cycle 25. This study provides an overview of interesting observations made by multiple spacecraft during this event. Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and BepiColombo were close to each other at 0.34–0.37 au (a radial separation of ∼0.03 au) as they were impacted by the flank of the associated coronal mass ejection (CME). At about 100° in the retrograde direction and 1.5 au away from the Sun, the radiation detector on board the Curiosity surface rover observed the largest ground-level enhancement on Mars since surface measurements began. At intermediate distances (0.7–1.0 au), the presence of stream interaction regions (SIRs) during the SEP arrival time provides additional complexities regarding the analysis of the distinct contributions of CME-driven versus SIR-driven events in observations by spacecraft such as Solar Orbiter and STEREO-A, and by near-Earth spacecraft like ACE, SOHO, and WIND. The proximity of PSP and BepiColombo also enables us to directly compare their measurements and perform cross-calibration for the energetic particle instruments on board the two spacecraft. Our analysis indicates that energetic proton measurements from BepiColombo and PSP are in reasonable agreement with each other to within a factor of ∼1.35. Finally, this study introduces the various ongoing efforts that will collectively improve our understanding of this impactful, widespread SEP event.more » « less
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Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on the Sun are the largest explosions in the Solar System that can drive powerful plasma shocks. The eruptions, shocks, and other processes associated to CMEs are efficient particle accelerators and the accelerated electrons in particular can produce radio bursts through the plasma emission mechanism. Aims. Coronal mass ejections and associated radio bursts have been well studied in cases where the CME originates close to the solar limb or within the frontside disc. Here, we study the radio emission associated with a CME eruption on the back side of the Sun on 22 July 2012. Methods. Using radio imaging from the Nançay Radioheliograph, spectroscopic data from the Nançay Decametric Array, and extreme-ultraviolet observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft, we determine the nature of the observed radio emission as well as the location and propagation of the CME. Results. We show that the observed low-intensity radio emission corresponds to a type II radio burst or a short-duration type IV radio burst associated with a CME eruption due to breakout reconnection on the back side of the Sun, as suggested by the pre-eruptive magnetic field configuration. The radio emission consists of a large, extended structure, initially located ahead of the CME, that corresponds to various electron acceleration locations. Conclusions. The observations presented here are consistent with the breakout model of CME eruptions. The extended radio emission coincides with the location of the current sheet and quasi-separatrix boundary of the CME flux and the overlying helmet streamer and also with that of a large shock expected to form ahead of the CME in this configuration.more » « less
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null (Ed.)Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large eruptions of magnetised plasma from the Sun that are often accompanied by solar radio bursts produced by accelerated electrons. Aims. A powerful source for accelerating electron beams are CME-driven shocks, however, there are other mechanisms capable of accelerating electrons during a CME eruption. So far, studies have relied on the traditional classification of solar radio bursts into five groups (Type I–V) based mainly on their shapes and characteristics in dynamic spectra. Here, we aim to determine the origin of moving radio bursts associated with a CME that do not fit into the present classification of the solar radio emission. Methods. By using radio imaging from the Nançay Radioheliograph, combined with observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft, we investigate the moving radio bursts accompanying two subsequent CMEs on 22 May 2013. We use three-dimensional reconstructions of the two associated CME eruptions to show the possible origin of the observed radio emission. Results. We identified three moving radio bursts at unusually high altitudes in the corona that are located at the northern CME flank and move outwards synchronously with the CME. The radio bursts correspond to fine-structured emission in dynamic spectra with durations of ∼1 s, and they may show forward or reverse frequency drifts. Since the CME expands closely following an earlier CME, a low coronal CME–CME interaction is likely responsible for the observed radio emission. Conclusions. For the first time, we report the existence of new types of short duration bursts, which are signatures of electron beams accelerated at the CME flank. Two subsequent CMEs originating from the same region and propagating in similar directions provide a complex configuration of the ambient magnetic field and favourable conditions for the creation of collapsing magnetic traps. These traps are formed if a CME-driven wave, such as a shock wave, is likely to intersect surrounding magnetic field lines twice. Electrons will thus be further accelerated at the mirror points created at these intersections and eventually escape to produce bursts of plasma emission with forward and reverse drifts.more » « less
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