Coronal Mass Ejections: A Study of Structural Evolution and Classification

Coronal Mass Ejections (or CMEs) are known for their majestic, yet explosive, outflow from the Sun. Although different criteria are often used for their classification, this paper seeks to classify them based on the following factors: (1) The velocity of the CME; (2) the structure of the CME itself, and (3) the angular separation of the "legs" of the CME as it expands. Given that the outer edge and the inner core of the CME move at different velocities, this difference can track the structural evolution of the outburst. Using data from solar minimum and maximum, CMEs will be analyzed and a new classification scheme will be developed based on the characteristics outlined above. This research was conducted as part of an NSF funded REU program at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii.