The CME source region in LOFAR related simulations: Numerical studies of Coronal Mass Ejections to prepare observations of the LOw Frequency ARay

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Joachim Vogt
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2005 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 16606065

In view of the forthcoming installation of the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) that will allow to observe solar and cosmic phenomena with unprecedent resolution, we propose to carry out magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the source region of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We aim at a characterization of the radio signatures in terms of macroscopic source region parameters and microphysical processes responsible for radio emissions in the solar environment. Three established simulation codes will be used in this study, and two of them have already proven to model the propagation of CMEs in sufficient detail. We expect that this project will contribute to solar and heliospheric physics and further serve the LOFAR community in several ways. (1) Detailed comparison of our simulation results with current and past radio observations will constrain the microphysics of heliospheric radio emissions and allow to refine existing models. (2) Synthetic radio maps generated from CME simulations should help to define LOFAR observing strategies to explore the resolution limits of this new radio facility. (3) A catalogue of simulated radio maps will facilitate the interpretation of future LOFAR observations and allow to identify key physical processes and parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Marcus Brüggen, Ph.D.