Definition
A large, sudden release of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's outer atmosphere (the corona) into space. When the ejected material reaches Earth, it can disturb the planet's magnetic field and ionosphere, disrupting high-frequency radio communications, GPS accuracy, and satellite operations.
Plain English
A huge burst of charged gas thrown off the Sun. If it reaches Earth, it can mess with radios, GPS, and satellites for hours or days.
Context Anchor
Seen in space-weather discussions, especially when planning flights that depend on long-range radio, satellite communication, or GPS navigation.
Derivation
Coronal comes from corona, Latin for 'crown' — the Sun's faint outer atmosphere visible during a solar eclipse looks like a crown of light. Mass ejection simply means a large amount of material being thrown out. So the term literally describes a big chunk of the Sun's crown being flung into space.
Why Pilots Care
These events can disrupt HF radio, GPS signals, and increase radiation exposure during polar operations.
Grounding Statement
Picture the Sun belching out a billion-ton cloud of electrified gas; a day or two later, that cloud slams into Earth's magnetic field and starts scrambling radios and GPS.
Intuition Check
A coronal mass ejection is not simply a bright flash on the Sun. It is a large cloud of material and magnetic energy thrown into space, and that cloud can take time to reach Earth.
Example Sentence 1
The dispatcher rerouted the polar flight south after forecasters warned of a coronal mass ejection arriving that evening.
Example Sentence 2
A recent coronal mass ejection caused temporary loss of satellite navigation over the Arctic.