In-situ solar wind and magnetic field signatures of interplanetary coronal mass ejections Coronal mass ejections (CMEs)

• Published in: Space science reviews Vol. 123; no. 1-3; pp. 31 - 43
• Main Authors: ZURBUCHEN, Thomas H, RICHARDSON, Ian G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01-03-2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic fields; Physical properties; Solar flares; Sun; Heliosphere; Plasma; Wind field; Coronal mass ejection; Relativistic particle; Magnetic fields; Physical properties; Sun; Solar wind
• ISSN: 0038-6308; 1572-9672
• DOI: 10.1007/s11214-006-9010-4

The heliospheric counterparts of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) at the Sun, interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs), can be identified in situ based on a number of magnetic field, plasma, compositional and energetic particle signatures as well as combinations thereof. We summarize these signatures and their implications for understanding the nature of these structures and the physical properties of coronal mass ejections. We conclude that our understanding of ICMEs is far from complete and formulate several challenges that, if addressed, would substantially improve our knowledge of the relationship between CMEs at the Sun and in the heliosphere.