{
  "id": 1300665,
  "title": "IIA researchers develop 3D model to forecast arrival of Coronal Mass Ejections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/iia-researchers-develop-3d-model-to-forecast-arrival-of-coronal-mass",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-16T15:48:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/iia-researchers-develop-3d-model-to-forecast-arrival-of-coronal-mass-ejections/article71352772.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has joined forces with international researchers to create a three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation model aimed at more accurately predicting the arrival and effects of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on Earth. These colossal eruptions of magnetized plasma, originating from the sun, possess the potential to wreak havoc on satellite systems, power grids, and global communications. Their genesis lies within magnetic flux ropes (MFRs), twisted bundles of magnetic field lines embedded in plasma, which are believed to be the primary instigators of these events. Despite their known role, the mechanisms behind the build-up and release of magnetic energy during CMEs have remained a persistent mystery within the field of solar physics.\n\nThe research team at IIA began their work by constructing a realistic 3D model of a solar atmosphere, complete with a magnetic field configuration reminiscent of coronal streamers observed in space. They then introduced a magnetic flux rope from below, simulating the emergence of new magnetic flux from beneath the sun's surface. Upon observing their computer simulations, the researchers noted that the overlying magnetic field was significantly stretched and compressed as the flux rope ascended. The researchers determined that reconnection, the process responsible for the release of magnetic energy, did not occur explosively but rather began subtly with the formation of a thin sheet of strong electric current—a region where opposing magnetic fields converged. This thin layer gradually intensified until it eventually led to the explosive expulsion of the flux rope.\n\nTo validate their findings, the researchers collaborated with a colleague from the University of Helsinki, Finland, who provided analysis based on observational data from NASA’s Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). These two instruments represent some of the most advanced tools currently available for observing the sun. The team’s findings were recently published in the Astrophysical Journal. The study included postdoc Samriddhi Sankar Maity from NASA and Georgia State University, IIA researcher Piyali Chatterjee, Ijas S. Mytheen from Eotvos University in Hungary, and Ranadeep Sarkar from the University of Helsinki, Finland.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "IIA and international researchers collaborate on 3D CME simulation model",
    "Magnetic flux rope emergence simulated in solar atmosphere model",
    "Subtle reconnection leads to CME expulsion, validated by NASA data"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}