Giant coronal mass ejection in an active star

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Human beings are fascinated by the spectacular coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that often accompany intense magnetic flares on our star. While these events are rare on Earth, they have profound effects on stellar physics and the environments surrounding other stars. The Sun's mighty magnetic field is dwarfed by those of nearby stars, which can be as much as ten thousand times stronger. When a giant CME erupts from one of these active stars, it leaves an indelible mark on the star itself and its surroundings. This artist's rendition depicts a colossal CME triggered by a bright flare on the star HD 9024. The Chandra X-ray Observatory space telescope captured the dramatic event in vivid detail. By analyzing the observations, scientists were able to reconstruct the intricate geometry and physical properties of both the flare and the massive CME that followed.\nReference: Argiroffi et al. 2019, Nature Astronomy 3, 742.\nCredits: INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo.