Sun-to-Earth Coronal Mass Ejection Simulations From a Vector Magnetogram

We implement a novel approach to performing Sun-to-Earth coronal mass ejection (CME) simulations and test it on three geo-effective space weather events. Using a vector magnetogram observed prior to the CME as the boundary condition, we reconstruct non-linear force free field (NLFFF) solutions in solar active regions with an established magneto-frictional method. We find a pre-eruption solar corona containing the NLFFF in the AWSoM model, which then spontaneously erupts. We apply STITCH, a photospheric driving method, when needed, to increase the strength of the CME shock. The eruptions successfully produce magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) that propagate to 1 au in the full MHD simulation. The synthetic white light images of the simulated CMEs share a striking resemblance in shape to observations. The interplanetary MFRs (IMFRs) arrive at 1 au with a 1.5- to 9-hour error. A comparison of simulated solar wind plasma with in-situ measurements shows that IMFR crossing can reproduce a southward B z and often its magnitudes, which determine the geo-effectiveness of the event.