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Unexpected major geomagnetic storm caused by faint eruption of a solar trans-equatorial flux rope

Author

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  • Weilin Teng

    (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yingna Su

    (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Haisheng Ji

    (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qingmin Zhang

    (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Some geomagnetic storms’ solar origins are ambiguous, making them hard to predict. On March 23, 2023, a severe geomagnetic storm occurred, however, forecasts based on remote-sensing observations failed to predict it. Here, we show clear evidence that this storm originates from the eruption of a trans-equatorial, longitudinal and low-density magnetic flux rope (FR) with weaker coronal emission and no chromospheric signs. The FR’s gentle eruption results in a faint full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME), which is missed by forecasters and not included in CME catalogs. Combining magnetic field modeling and in-situ measurements, we reveal the FR’s southward axial magnetic field as the main cause of the geomagnetic storm. This CME is the stealthiest one reported causing a severe geomagnetic storm. Our study highlights that erupting trans-equatorial FRs can generate major geomagnetic storms in a stealthy way. Characteristic observational signatures of similar eruptions are proposed to help in future forecasts.

Suggested Citation

  • Weilin Teng & Yingna Su & Haisheng Ji & Qingmin Zhang, 2024. "Unexpected major geomagnetic storm caused by faint eruption of a solar trans-equatorial flux rope," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53538-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53538-1
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