coronal mass ejection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (specialist term)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coronal mass ejection” mean?
A massive burst of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona, ejected into space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A massive burst of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona, ejected into space.
A significant solar event involving the violent expulsion of magnetized solar material, which can disrupt Earth's magnetosphere, affecting satellites, power grids, and radio communications. In a broader metaphorical sense, it can describe any sudden, powerful, and far-reaching expulsion of energy or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation and emphasis may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. No regional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in relevant scientific communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “coronal mass ejection” in a Sentence
A coronal mass ejection [verbs: occurs, happens, erupts, is observed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coronal mass ejection” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The coronal mass ejection was forecast to reach Earth's orbit by Tuesday.
- Scientists at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory are modelling the CME's trajectory.
American English
- A coronal mass ejection caused the spectacular aurora visible from Colorado.
- NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the CME in stunning detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries related to space weather, insurance, or satellite operations.
Academic
Standard term in astrophysics, heliophysics, and space science publications and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation unless discussing space weather news.
Technical
The precise and primary domain of use. Essential vocabulary for space weather forecasters and researchers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coronal mass ejection”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coronal mass ejection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coronal mass ejection”
- Pronouncing 'coronal' as /ˈkɒr.ə.nəl/ (like 'coroner') instead of /kəˈrəʊ.nəl/ or /kəˈroʊ.nəl/.
- Using 'solar flare' interchangeably (a flare is a different, though often related, phenomenon of intense radiation).
- Misspelling as 'corona mass ejection' (the 'l' in 'coronal' is essential).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not directly, as Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere shield us from the radiation. However, the induced geomagnetic storms can severely damage electrical grids, satellite electronics, and disrupt radio communications and GPS.
Speeds vary widely, from relatively slow at around 250 km/s to extremely fast, exceeding 3000 km/s. The fastest CMEs can reach Earth in as little as 15-18 hours.
We cannot reliably predict when one will occur, but once observed leaving the Sun, space weather agencies can forecast its approximate arrival time and potential impact strength at Earth with increasing accuracy.
It refers to the Sun's 'corona', which is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere. This super-hot, tenuous plasma layer is where these massive ejections originate.
A massive burst of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona, ejected into space.
Coronal mass ejection is usually technical / scientific in register.
Coronal mass ejection: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrəʊ.nəl ˌmæs ɪˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈroʊ.nəl ˌmæs ɪˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Sun's 'corona' (crown) 'mass'ively 'eject'ing material. CME = Crown Mass Ejected.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUN IS A DYNAMIC ENGINE / A VOLCANO (ejecting material). SPACE WEATHER IS TERRESTRIAL WEATHER (with 'storms' from the Sun).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME)?