coronal mass ejection

noun

: a tremendous outburst of energy from the corona of the sun that can cause disruptions in the earth's geomagnetic field
As they had for the January eruption, the researchers relied on an armada of spacecraft to track the disturbance, known as a coronal mass ejection because it originates in the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona.R. Cowen
abbreviation CME
compare solar flare

Examples of coronal mass ejection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Depending on the strength of the coronal mass ejection, states like South Dakota, Wisconsin and Maine could witness the northern lights as well -- although the likelihood is lower. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025 An incoming solar storm, also known as coronal mass ejection (CME), erupted from the sun on Jan. 21 and is currently on track to strike Earth with a glancing blow on Jan. 24-25. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025 Before the northern lights become visible, explosions on the sun’s surface, known as coronal mass ejections, send streams of energy particles into space. Sara Ruberg, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 The northern and southern lights can be triggered by geomagnetic storms, which are disruptions to the Earth's magnetic field caused by coronal mass ejections of solar plasma from the sun. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coronal mass ejection 

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coronal mass ejection was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near coronal mass ejection

Cite this Entry

“Coronal mass ejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coronal%20mass%20ejection. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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