A quick method for estimating the propagation direction of coronal mass ejections using STEREO-COR1 images

Abstract

We describe here a method to obtain the position of a coronal moving feature in a three-dimensional coordinate system based on height-time measurements applied to STEREO data. By using the height-time diagrams from the two SECCHI-COR1 coronagraphs onboard STEREO, one can easily determine the direction of propagation of a coronal mass ejection (i.e., if the moving plasma is oriented toward or away from the Earth). This method may prove to be a useful tool for space weather forecasting by easily identifying the direction of propagation as well as the real speed of the coronal mass ejections. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.