34th Solar Physics Division Meeting, June 2003 Session 5 Coronal
Mass Ejections I  [Previous] | [Session 5] | [Next]  [5.04] An
Automated System for Detecting Sigmoids in Solar X-ray Images
B. J. LaBonte, D. M. Rust, P. N. Bernasconi (JHU/APL)  The
probability of a coronal mass ejection (CME) occurring is linked
to the appearance of structures, called sigmoids, in satellite
X-ray images of the sun. By examination of near real time
images, we can detect sigmoids visually and estimate the
probability of a CME and the probability that it will cause a
major geomagnetic storm. We have devised a pattern recognition
system to detect the sigmoids in Yohkoh SXT and GOES SXI X-ray
images automatically. When implemented in a near real time
environment, this system should allow long term, 3 - 7 day,
forecasts of CMEs and their potential for causing major
geomagnetic storms.  [Previous] | [Session 5] | [Next]  Bulletin
of the American Astronomical Society, 35 #3 © 2003. The American
Astronomical Soceity.