2024-03-30: Fast CME

Description

The Mauna Loa K-Coronagraph observed this CME on March 30, 2024. This CME is accelerating rapidly in the KCor field of view. The last observation was taken at 22:48:09 UT when the CME was at 2.16 solar radii. The best fit to the trajectory (see plot below) was the 2^nd order fit which gave an acceleration of 463 +/- 72 m/s² and a speed of 748 k/s at 2.16 solar radii. This CME was observed by LASCO as a partial halo and shows a deceleration of -2.6 m/s² in LASCO.

These are the first observations from MLSO since Nov 25, 2022. MLSO erupted a few days later and destroyed a significant part of the upper MLSO access road and power lines. Currently the only way to reach the site is by helicopter. Observers and a generator were flown to the site to observe for the Parker Solar Probe perihelion #19. The current schedule for the new road completion is April 2025 – after which MLSO will reopen for nominal observations.

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Trajectory