Space Regulatory Glossary Industry

coronal mass ejection

/kəˈroʊnəl mæs ɪˈdʒɛkʃən/ noun

1. A large-scale expulsion of magnetized plasma from the Sun's corona into the solar wind. CMEs can carry billions of tons of solar material at speeds ranging from 250 to over 3,000 km/s.
2. When directed at Earth, CMEs trigger geomagnetic storms 1-3 days after eruption. Severe events can damage satellite electronics, induce currents in power grids, and significantly increase radiation exposure for astronauts and high-altitude aircraft.

Related terms

solar flare A sudden, intense burst of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun's surface, caused by the release of magnetic energy… geomagnetic storm A temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by the interaction of solar wind structures — typically coronal… space weather The variable conditions in the space environment between the Sun and Earth — including solar wind, energetic particles,…

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