X-ray coronal changes during Halo CMEs

Abstract

Using the Yohkoh soft X-ray images, we examine the coronal structures associated with “halo” coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These may correspond to events near solar disk center. Starting with a list of eleven confirmed halo CMEs over the time range from December 1996 through May 1997, we find seven with surface features identifiable in soft X-rays, with GOES classifications ranging from A1 to M1.3. These have a characteristic pattern of sigmoid → arcade development. In each of these events, the pre-flare structure disrupted during the flare, leaving the appearance of compact transient coronal holes. The four remaining events had weak or indistinguishable signatures in the X-ray images. For the events for which we could see well-defined coronal changes, we confirm our previous result that the estimated mass loss inferred from the soft X-ray dimming is a small fraction of typical CME masses [Sterling & Hudson 1997].