Coronal Mass Ejections, 2011 An Introduction Astrophysics and Space Science Library Series, Vol. 376

The book introduces the solar coronal mass ejection phenomena. This includes both those observed in the corona and those further from the Sun, known as interplanetary coronal mass ejections. We discuss the history and physics behind these phenomena, theories describing their launch and evolution, association with other solar eruptive phenomena, and methods employed for their detection and scientific data extraction. Instruments used for their study (past, present and future) are also discussed, along with their resulting space weather effects on Earth and other planets. The latter requires a description of the Earth?s magnetosphere, which is also included. Coronal Mass Ejections brings together solar physics, heliospheric physics, and magnetospheric physics, three traditionally separate fields of study. The content is accessible to beginning graduate students who are trying to master difficult fundamental concepts.

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: History.- Chapter 3: Summary of Spacecraft.- Chapter 4: How We Observe CMEs.- Chapter 5: Geometry of CMEs and ICMEs.- Chapter 6: Radio Astronomical Techniques.- Chapter 7: Associated Phenomena.- Chapter 8: CME Onset and Initial Acceleration.- Chapter 9: CME Evolution.- Chapter 10: Interaction With the Earth and Other Planets - Contribution to Space Weather.- Chapter 11: Summary and Discussion.- Glossary.- Index.

Dr. Timothy Howard is a Senior Research Scientist conducting space physics research at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He received his PhD in Space and Plasma Physics from the University of Newcastle (Australia) in 2003. He has been a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Space Physics at the National Solar Observatory, Montana State University, and Solar Physics at the University of Birmingham (UK). He has published over 30 refereed publications in various astrophysics and solar science journals and has had work presented at over 50 national and international meetings.