Coronal Mass Ejections Source Research Articles

Interplanetary Type IV Solar Radio Bursts: A Comprehensive Catalog and Statistical Results

Decameter hectometric (DH; 1–14 MHz) type IV radio bursts are produced by flare-accelerated electrons trapped in postflare loops or the moving magnetic structures associated with the coronal mass ejections (CMEs). From a space weather perspective, it is important to systematically compile these bursts, explore their spectrotemporal characteristics, and study the associated CMEs. We present a comprehensive catalog of DH type IV bursts observed by the Radio and Plasma Wave Investigation instruments on board the Wind and Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory spacecraft covering the period of white-light CME observations by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission between 1996 November and 2023 May. The catalog has 139 bursts, of which 73% are associated with a fast (>900 km s−1) and wide (>60°) CME, with a mean CME speed of 1301 km s−1. All DH type IV bursts are white-light CME-associated, with 78% of the events associated with halo CMEs. The CME source latitudes are within ±45°. Seventy-seven events had multiple-vantage-point observations from different spacecraft, letting us explore the impact of the line of sight on the dynamic spectra. For 48 of the 77 events, there were good data from at least two spacecraft. We find that, unless occulted by nearby plasma structures, a type IV burst is best viewed when observed within a ±60° line of sight. Also, bursts with a duration above 120 minutes have source longitudes within ±60°. Our inferences confirm the inherent directivity in the type IV emission. Additionally, the catalog forms a Sun-as-a-star DH type IV burst database.

A Coronal Mass Ejection Source Region Catalog and Their Associated Properties

The primary objective of this study is to connect coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to their source regions, primarily to create a CME source region catalog, and secondarily to probe the influence that the source regions have on the different statistical properties of CMEs. We create a source region catalog for 3327 CMEs from 1998 to 2017, thus capturing the different phases of cycles 23 and 24. The identified source regions are segregated into three classes—active regions, prominence eruptions, and active prominences—while the CMEs are segregated into slow and fast groups, based on their average projected speeds. We find the contributions of these three source region types to the occurrences of slow and fast CMEs to be different in the above period. A study of the distribution of the average speeds reveals different power laws for CMEs originating from different sources, and the power laws are different during the different phases of cycles 23 and 24. A study of the statistical latitudinal deflections shows equatorward deflections, while the magnitudes of the deflections again bear imprints of the source regions. An east–west asymmetry is also noted, particularly in the rising phase of cycle 23, with the presence of active longitudes for the CMEs, with a preference toward the western part of the Sun. Our results show that different aspects of CME kinematics bear strong imprints of the source regions they originate from, thus indicating the existence of different ejection and/or propagation mechanisms of these CMEs.

Propagation of solar disturbances and heliospheric storms

In this paper, we review solar disturbances (solar flares) and their propagation towards the earth and to the heliosphere. For solar flares, we consider that a photospheric dynamo supplies the power and that high speed streams are caused by the basic solar wind (modified by the solar magnetic field), not from coronal holes. These new views allow us to predict the occurrence of solar flares and the 27-day recurrent storms more accurately than in the past. It is suggested that the explosive aspect of solar flares, the phenomenon, called ‘diparition brusques (DB)’, is the source of coronal mass ejections (CMEs)/magnetic clouds (MCs) and of heliospheric disturbances, namely heliospheric storms. It is also suggested that some CMEs have a magnetically helical structure, which are rooted at the sun. For the inner heliospheric storms, a simple method, called the HAF method, is used to study the propagation of solar disturbances and tested by various simultaneous space probes, such as IMP, HELIOS A, and B for the inner heliosphere. For the middle heliosphere, the same method is tested at a distance 7 au with the Pioneer 11 data; the result is satisfactory. The method is further extended to 100 au in an early 2004; thus, it is possible to envisage the whole heliospheric disturbances over 200 days.

Rapid Rotation of an Erupting Prominence and the Associated Coronal Mass Ejection on 13 May 2013

In this paper, we report the multiwavelength observations of an erupting prominence and the associated coronal mass ejection (CME) on 13 May 2013. The event occurs behind the western limb in the field of view of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft. The prominence is supported by a highly twisted magnetic flux rope and shows rapid rotation in the counterclockwise direction during the rising motion. The rotation of the prominence lasts for ∼ 47 minutes. The average period, angular speed, and linear speed are ∼ 806 sec, ∼ 0.46 rad min−1, and ∼ 355 km s−1, respectively. The total twist angle reaches ∼ 7 $\pi$ , which is considerably larger than the threshold for kink instability. Writhing motion during 17:42 – 17:46 UT is clearly observed by SWAP in 174 Å and Extreme-UltraViolet Imager (EUVI) on board the behind Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft in 304 Å after reaching an apparent height of ∼ 405 Mm. Therefore, the prominence eruption is most probably triggered by kink instability. A pair of conjugate flare ribbons and post-flare loops are created and observed by STA/EUVI. The onset time of writhing motion is consistent with the commencement of the impulsive phase of the related flare. The 3D morphology and positions of the associated CME are derived using the graduated cylindrical shell (GCS) modeling. The kinetic evolution of the reconstructed CME is divided into a slow-rise phase (∼ 330 km s−1) and a fast-rise phase (∼ 1005 km s−1) by the writhing motion. The edge-on angular width of the CME is a constant (60∘), while the face-on angular width increases from 96∘ to 114∘, indicating a lateral expansion. The latitude of the CME source region decreases slightly from ∼ 18∘ to ∼ 13∘, implying an equatorward deflection during propagation.

The first gradual solar energetic particle event with an enhanced 3He abundance on Solar Orbiter

The origin of 3He abundance enhancements in gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events remains largely unexplained. Two mechanisms have been suggested: the reacceleration of remnant flare material by coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shocks in interplanetary space, and concomitant activity in the corona. We explore the first gradual SEP event with enhanced 3He abundance that was observed by Solar Orbiter. The event started on 2020 November 24 and was associated with a relatively fast halo CME. During the event, the spacecraft was at 0.9 au from the Sun. The event-averaged 3He/4He abundance ratio is 24 times higher than the coronal or solar wind value, and the timing of the 3He intensity was similar to that of other species. We inspected available imaging, radio observations, and the spacecraft magnetic connection to the CME source. The most probable cause of the enhanced 3He abundance apparently are residual 3He ions remaining from a preceding long period of 3He-rich SEPs on 2020 November 17–23.

Manifestation of Gravitational Settling in Coronal Mass Ejections Measured in the Heliosphere

Elemental composition in the solar wind reflects the fractionation processes at the Sun. In coronal mass ejections (CMEs) measured in the heliosphere, the elemental composition can vary between plasma of high and low ionization states as indicated by the average Fe charge state, 〈QFe〉. It is found that CMEs with higher ionized plasma, 〈QFe〉 greater than 12, are significantly more enriched in low first ionization potential (FIP) elements compared to their less ionized, 〈QFe〉 less than 12, counterparts. In addition, the CME elemental composition has been shown to vary along the solar cycle. However, the processes driving changes in elemental composition in the plasma are not well understood. To gain insight into this variation, this work investigates the effects of gravitational settling in the ejecta to examine how that process can modify signatures of the FIP effect found in CMEs. We examine the absolute abundances of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Fe in CMEs between 1998 and 2011. Results show that the ejecta exhibits some gravitational settling effects in approximately 33% of all CME periods in plasma where the Fe abundance of the ejecta compared to the solar wind (Fe/HCME:Fe/HSW) is depleted compared to the C abundance (C/HCME:C/HSW). We also find gravitational settling is most prominent in CMEs during solar minimum; however, it occurs throughout the solar cycle. This study indicates that gravitational settling, along with the FIP effect, can become important in governing the compositional makeup of CME source regions.

Polarimetric Studies of a Fast Coronal Mass Ejection

In this work we performed a polarimetric study of a fast and wide coronal mass ejection (CME) observed on 12 July 2012 by the COR1 and COR2 instruments onboard the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) mission. The CME source region was an X1.4 flare located at approximately S15W01 on the solar disk, as observed from the Earth’s perspective. The position of the CME as derived from the 3D Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS) reconstruction method was at around S18W00 at 2.5 solar radii and S07W00 at 5.7 solar radii, meaning that the CME was deflected towards the Equator while propagating outward in the corona. The projected speed of the leading edge of the CME also evolved from around 200 km s−1 in the lower corona to around 1000 km s−1 in the COR2 field of view. The degree of polarisation of the CME is around 65% but it can go as high as 80% in some CME regions. The CME showed deviation of the polarisation angle from the tangential in the range of 10 – 15∘ (or more). Our analysis showed that this is mostly due to the fact that the sequence of three polarised images from where the polarised parameters are derived is not taken simultaneously, but at a difference of a few seconds in time. In this interval of time, the CME moves by at least two pixels in the FOV of the instruments and this displacement results in uncertainties in the polarisation parameters (degree of polarisation, polarisation angle, etc.). We propose some steps forward to improve the derivation of the polarisation. This study is important for analysing the future data from instruments with polarisation capabilities.

Charge States, Helium Abundance, and FIP Bias of the Interplanetary CMEs Classified by Flares and Hot Channels

Abstract Identifying the material source of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is crucial for understanding the generation mechanisms of CMEs. The composition parameters of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) associated with different activities on the Sun may be diverse, as the materials come from distinct regions or are generated by different processes. We classified ICMEs into three types by associated activities on the Sun, with (T1) and without (T3) flares and hot channels, and only associated with flares (T2). The composition parameters of each type of ICMEs were analyzed. We found that all CMEs with hot channels are accompanied by flares, and strong flares are all associated with hot channels in our database. The average length of the filaments in T1 cases are much shorter than those in T3 cases. The average charge states of iron (Q Fe) and helium abundance (A He) for T3 ICMEs are less than 12% and 7%, respectively. The Q Fe and A He for T1 ICMEs present clear bimodal distributions with the minimum between two peaks at 12% and 7%, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of the hot plasma (with higher Q Fe) inside ICMEs is associated with higher A He. The Q Fe and A He are both positively correlated with the flare intensities. The A He and filament scales are not explicitly linked to each other. The statistical results demonstrate that the material contribution of the filaments to ICMEs is low and more than half of the hot materials inside ICMEs originate from the chromosphere in our database. We suggest that they are heated by the chromospheric evaporation process at the hot channel (flux rope) footpoint regions before and/or during the flaring process.

A Time-dependent Self-similar Reconstruction of Solar Coronal Mass Ejections Based on the Gibson–Low Model

Abstract The analytic Gibson–Low (GL) model, a time-dependent self-similar solution of the magnetohydrodynamics, is first used to directly reconstruct a coronal mass ejection (CME) through the method of forward modeling in this study. A systematic description of the GL model is presented at the beginning, and a set of parameters is introduced to define the model. Then a CME on 2011 March 7 is reconstructed by fitting of GL (FGL) of the multi-viewpoint and time series observations. The first step of FGL is the initialization of the location and orientation of the GL using the information of the CME source region. The second step is to fit the parameters of size, shape, velocity, and strength of the magnetic field of the GL to the observations of coronagraphs at 20:24 and 20:39. The GL at 20:54 and 3 R ⊙ is generated through the theory of self-similar expansion respectively. Comparisons between the synthetic images of the GL and the real observations of the CME prove the performance of FGL that the reconstructions well match the observations.

The Formation Process of the First Halo Coronal Mass Ejection in Solar Cycle 25: Magnetic Cancellation, Bidirectional Jet, and Hot Channel

Abstract To better understand the trigger mechanism of a coronal mass ejection (CME), we present the evolution of a CME source region (active region NOAA 12790) and the formation of a hot channel before the occurrence of the first halo CME in solar cycle 25. Through analyzing the evolution of Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager line-of-sight magnetograms, it is found that continuous magnetic cancellation occurs at the polarity inversion line (PIL) in this active region. With ongoing magnetic cancellation, several bidirectional jets and unidirectional jets occur along the large-scale arched magnetic loops. A hot channel forms during the first bidirectional jet. After the occurrence of the fourth bidirectional jet, the hot channel immediately erupts and produces a C-class flare, a cusp structure, and a halo CME. It is worth pointing out that the cusp structure only appears in the 131 Å and 94 Å observations (temperature about 10 MK). The obvious contraction of the newly formed loops is observed at the top of the cusp structure. The observations reveal a clear physics process: magnetic cancellation of a bipolar magnetic field at the PIL results in the occurrence of the bidirectional/unidirectional jets and the formation of the hot channel. The axial magnetic flux feeding for the hot channel through the continued magnetic cancellation leads to the hot channel eruption, which results in the formation of the hot cusp structure and the occurrence of the C-class flare and the halo CME.

Determining the source and eruption dynamics of a stealth CME using NLFFF modelling and MHD simulations

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that exhibit weak or no eruption signatures in the low corona, known as stealth CMEs, are problematic as upon arrival at Earth they can lead to geomagnetic disturbances that were not predicted by space weather forecasters. Aims. We investigate the origin and eruption of a stealth event that occurred on 2015 January 3 that was responsible for a strong geomagnetic storm upon its arrival at Earth. Methods. To simulate the coronal magnetic field and plasma parameters of the eruption we use a coupled approach. This approach combines an evolutionary nonlinear force-free field model of the global corona with a MHD simulation. Results. The combined simulation approach accurately reproduces the stealth event and suggests that sympathetic eruptions occur. In the combined simulation we found that three flux ropes form and then erupt. The first two flux ropes, which are connected to a large AR complex behind the east limb, erupt first producing two near-simultaneous CMEs. These CMEs are closely followed by a third, weaker flux rope eruption in the simulation that originated between the periphery of AR 12252 and the southern polar coronal hole. The third eruption coincides with a faint coronal dimming, which appears in the SDO/AIA 211 Å observations, that is attributed as the source responsible for the stealth event and later the geomagnetic disturbance at 1 AU. The incorrect interpretation of the stealth event being linked to the occurrence of a single partial halo CME observed by LASCO/C2 is mainly due to the lack of STEREO observations being available at the time of the CMEs. The simulation also shows that the LASCO CME is not a single event but rather two near-simultaneous CMEs. Conclusions. These results show the significance of the coupled data-driven simulation approach in interpreting the eruption and that an operational L5 mission is crucial for space weather forecasting.

The Magnetic Environment of a Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection

Abstract Interest in stealth coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is increasing due to their relatively high occurrence rate and space weather impact. However, typical CME signatures such as extreme-ultraviolet dimmings and post-eruptive arcades are hard to identify and require extensive image processing techniques. These weak observational signatures mean that little is currently understood about the physics of these events. We present an extensive study of the magnetic field configuration in which the stealth CME of 2011 March 3 occurred. Three distinct episodes of flare ribbon formation are observed in the stealth CME source active region (AR). Two occurred prior to the eruption and suggest the occurrence of magnetic reconnection that builds the structure that will become eruptive. The third occurs in a time close to the eruption of a cavity that is observed in STEREO-B 171 Å data; this subsequently becomes part of the propagating CME observed in coronagraph data. We use both local (Cartesian) and global (spherical) models of the coronal magnetic field, which are complemented and verified by the observational analysis. We find evidence of a coronal null point, with field lines computed from its neighborhood connecting the stealth CME source region to two ARs in the northern hemisphere. We conclude that reconnection at the null point aids the eruption of the stealth CME by removing the field that acted to stabilize the preeruptive structure. This stealth CME, despite its weak signatures, has the main characteristics of other CMEs, and its eruption is driven by similar mechanisms.

Statistical Analysis of the Relation between Coronal Mass Ejections and Solar Energetic Particles

Abstract To improve the forecasting capability of impactful solar energetic particle (SEP) events, the relation between coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and SEP events needs to be better understood. Here we present a statistical study of SEP occurrences and timescales with respect to the CME source locations and speeds, considering all 257 fast (v CME ≥ 900 km s−1) and wide (angular width ≥60°) CMEs that occurred between 2006 December and 2017 October. We associate them with SEP events at energies above 10 MeV. Examination of the source region of each CME reveals that CMEs more often accompany a SEP event if they originate from the longitude of E20–W100 relative to the observer. However, an SEP event could still be absent if the CME is <2000 km s−1. For the associated CME–SEP pairs, we compute three timescales for each of the SEP events, namely the timescale of the onset (TO), the rise time (TR), and the duration (TD). They are correlated with the longitude of the CME source region relative to the footpoint of the Parker spiral (ΔΦ) and v CME. The TO tends to be short for 60°. This trend is weaker for TR and TD. The SEP timescales are only weakly correlated with v CME. Positive correlations of both TR and TD with v CME are seen in poorly connected (large ) events. Additionally, TO appears to be negatively correlated with v CME for events with small .

Role of the Coronal Environment in the Formation of Four Shocks Observed without Coronal Mass Ejections at Earth’s Lagrangian Point L1

Abstract The main goal of this study is to determine the solar origin of four single shocks observed at the Lagrange point L1 and followed by storm sudden commencements (SSCs) during 2002. We look for associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs), starting from estimates of the transit time from Sun to Earth. For each CME, we investigate its association with a radio type II burst, an indicator of the presence of a shock wave. For three of the events, the type II burst is shown to propagate along the same, or a similar, direction as the fastest segment of the CME leading edge. We analyze for each event the role of the coronal environment in the CME development, the shock formation, and their propagation, to finally identify its complex evolution. The ballistic velocity of these shocks during their propagation from the corona to L1 is compared to the shock velocity at L1. Based on a detailed analysis of the shock propagation and possible interactions up to 30 solar radii, we find a coherent velocity evolution for each event, in particular for one event, the 2002 April 14 SSC, for which a previous study did not find a satisfactory CME source. For the other three events, we observe the formation of a white-light shock overlying the different sources associated with those events. The localization of the event sources over the poles, together with an origin of the shocks being due to encounters of CMEs, can explain why at L1 we observe only single shocks and not interplanetary CMEs.

The source and engine of coronal mass ejections.

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large-scale expulsions of coronal plasma and magnetic field propagating through the heliosphere. Because CMEs are observed by white-light coronagraphs which, by design, occult the solar disc, supporting disc observations (e.g. in EUV, soft X-rays, Halpha and radio) must be employed for the study of their source regions and early development phases. We review the key properties of CME sources and highlight a certain causal sequence of effects that may occur whenever a strong (flux-massive and sheared) magnetic polarity inversion line develops in the coronal base of eruptive active regions (ARs). Storing non-potential magnetic energy and helicity in a much more efficient way than ARs lacking strong polarity inversion lines, eruptive regions engage in an irreversible course, making eruptions inevitable and triggered when certain thresholds of free energy and helicity are crossed. This evolution favours the formation of pre-eruption magnetic flux ropes. We describe the steps of this plausible path to sketch a picture of the pre-eruptive phase of CMEs that may apply to most events, particularly the ones populating the high end of the energy/helicity distribution, that also tend to have the strongest space-weather implications. This article is part of the theme issue 'Solar eruptions and their space weather impact'.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Formation of a Shock Wave Associated with a Coronal Mass Ejection

Abstract On 2014 November 1, a solar prominence eruption associated with a C2.7 class flare and a type II radio burst resulted in a fast partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME). Images acquired in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) by the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and PROBA2/SWAP and in white light (WL) by Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph show the expansion of a bright compression front ahead of the CME. In this work, we present a detailed investigation of the CME-driven shock associated with this event following the early evolution of the compression front observed near the Sun up to the extended corona. Our aim is to shed light on the long-debated issue concerning the location and timing of shock formation in the corona. Through differential emission measure analysis, we derived, for the first time, the compression ratio across the expanding EUV front observed by AIA at different temperature ranges: higher compression ratios corresponded to higher plasma temperature ranges, as expected. Moreover, comparison between up- and downstream temperatures and those expected via adiabatic compression shows that no additional heating mechanisms occurred in the early front expansion phase, implying that the shock formed beyond the AIA field of view. Finally, the analysis of the associated type II radio burst, in combination with the inferred coronal density distribution, allowed us to identify a well-defined region located northward of the CME source region as the site for shock formation and to outline its kinematics in accordance with the evolution of the expanding front as obtained from the EUV and WL data.

Evolutionary Characteristics of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Intensity

Abstract We use several mathematical methods, such as the continuous wavelet transform, the wavelet coherence (WTC), and the partial wavelet coherence, to investigate the distribution and oscillation periods of the daily interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) intensity as well as the connection between IMF fluctuations and solar activity indices (the magnetic plage strength index and the Mount Wilson sunspot index). The daily IMF intensity generally approximately follows a log-normal distribution that is directly related to the distribution of the active region flux. The short-term periods of the IMF are about 13.7, 27.6, 37.1, and 75.3 days. They are driven by the quasi-periodicity of the magnetic surges on the solar surface. The medium-term periods of 1.07 and 1.82 years need to be derived from the stochastic interaction of local fields and meridional flows, since coronal holes reflect the transport of the magnetic flux on the solar surface and variations in the meridional flow are seen in the heliosphere. The 10.9-year period is the Schwabe solar cycle and is to be mentioned first. The solar cycle variation of the IMF is not thought to be related to weak solar magnetic activity, but is dominated by the strong solar magnetic field activity seen on the disk, because the footpoints of the time-varying component of the interplanetary magnetic flux are rooted in regions that are located near the sources of coronal mass ejections that are related to active regions, while the constant component in the IMF is thought to initially and mainly come from the weak solar magnetic field activity. Finally, the slow variation of the IMF indicates that it may have a period of longer than 50 years.

The effect of solar eruption promulgation on the propagation of solar energetic particles

Solar eruption events investigated for the period from 2000 to 2014. These events associated with solar energetic particles (SEPs) that composed of halo-type coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and accompanying with intense flares. The incline of the time intensity profile are computing by analysing the eastern and western events through the CMEs source regions. This study shows that the incline angle for west events is smaller than Eastern Events. The western events are seem to be sharper in the acceleration phase than the eastern event. Considerate these phenomena is important to relate the space weather environment near Earth and other destinations in the solar system.

Tracking CMEs using data from the Solar Stormwatch project; observing deflections and other properties

AbstractWith increasing technological dependence, society is becoming ever more affected by changes in the near‐Earth space environment caused by space weather. The primary driver of these hazards are coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Solar Stormwatch is a citizen science project in which volunteers participated in several activities which characterized CMEs in the remote sensing images from the Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) instrument package on the twin STEREO spacecraft. Here we analyze the results of the “Track‐it‐back” activity, in which CMEs were tracked back through the COR1, COR2, and EUVI images. Analysis of the COR1, COR2, and EUVI data together allows CMEs to be studied consistently throughout the whole field of view spanned by these instruments (out to 15 RS). A total of 4783 volunteers took part in this activity, creating a data set containing 23,801 estimates of CME timing, location, and size. We used these data to produce a catalogue of 41 CMEs, which is the first to consistently track CMEs through each of these instruments. We assess how the CME speeds, propagation directions, and widths vary as the CMEs propagate through the fields of view of the different imagers. In particular, we compare the observed CME deflections between the COR1 and COR2 fields of view to the separation between the CME source region and the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), demonstrating that in general, these CMEs appear to deflect toward the HCS, consistent with other modeling studies of CME propagation.

Earth-Affecting Coronal Mass Ejections Without Obvious Low Coronal Signatures

We present a study of the origin of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that were not accompanied by obvious low coronal signatures (LCSs) and yet were responsible for appreciable disturbances at 1 AU. These CMEs characteristically start slowly. In several examples, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images taken by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory reveal coronal dimming and a post-eruption arcade when we make difference images with long enough temporal separations, which are commensurate with the slow initial development of the CME. Data from the EUV imager and COR coronagraphs of the Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation onboard the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, which provide limb views of Earth-bound CMEs, greatly help us limit the time interval in which the CME forms and undergoes initial acceleration. For other CMEs, we find similar dimming, although only with lower confidence as to its link to the CME. It is noted that even these unclear events result in unambiguous flux rope signatures in in situ data at 1 AU. There is a tendency that the CME source regions are located near coronal holes or open field regions. This may have implications for both the initiation of the stealthy CME in the corona and its outcome in the heliosphere.