The initiation of coronal mass ejections-what observations are needed now?

Abstract

We have been observing solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) for over two decades. We have a good idea of the mass, size and speed distributions of these events; we have a wealth of topological information and have studied their initiation and their effects on the Earth-environment through the observation of related activity and through interdisciplinary observations. However, we still have difficulties in understanding the CME onset process. It is suggested that interdisciplinary analyses using the SOHO spacecraft and through multiple spacecraft observations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Group umbrella will provide significant steps forward. However, in addition, we identify new methods of observation for investigating the onset of CMEs, in particular through the observation of the corona in 3-D, and assess their importance in unravelling the CME onset mystery.