Onset of Coronal Mass Ejection Due to Loss of Confinement of Coronal Flux Ropes

Y. Fan & S.E. Gibson

HAO, National Center for Atmospheric Research

High Altitude Observatory (HAO) – National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

The National Center for Atmospheric Research is operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Researchunder sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Eruption triggered by the kink instability

• At onset of eruption:

totalrope

2totaltotal

2roperope

33.0

16.0

4.1

mm

m

m

HH

H

H

Fan & Gibson (2007, ApJ in press)