Coronal mass ejection: Key issues

Abstract

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have been addressed by a particularly active research community in recent years. With the advent of the International Heliophysical Year and the new STEREO and Hinode missions, in addition to the on-going SOHO mission, CME research has taken centre stage in a renewed international effort. This review aims to touch on some key observational areas, and their interpretation. First, we consider coronal dimming, which has become synonymous with CME onsets, and stress that recent advances have heralded a move from a perceived association between the two phenomena to a firm, well-defined physical link. What this means for our understanding of CME modeling is discussed. Second, with the new STEREO observations, and noting the on-going SMEI observations, it is important to review the opening field of CME studies in the heliosphere. Finally, we discuss some specific points with regard to EIT-waves and the flare-CME relationship. In the opinion of the author, these issues cover key hot topics which need consideration for significant progress in the field.