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.—
Ron Cowen
—abbreviation CME
compare solar flare
Ron CowenExamples of coronal mass ejection in a Sentence
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Our star just unleashed three powerful solar flares in less than 24 hours and potentially sending multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurtling toward Earth, raising the chances of northern lights displays this week.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 June 2026
The United States on June 25 launched a new satellite expected to significantly improve forecasts of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — huge plasma bubbles that can crash into Earth, disrupting power grids and communications.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
Solar eruptions called solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur most frequently in these active regions.
—Yeimy J. Rivera, The Conversation, 20 May 2026
The northern lights could make a surprise cameo over the next few nights as space weather forecasters track possible impacts from coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched by the sun last week.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
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Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 June 2026
The United States on June 25 launched a new satellite expected to significantly improve forecasts of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — huge plasma bubbles that can crash into Earth, disrupting power grids and communications.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
Solar eruptions called solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur most frequently in these active regions.
—Yeimy J. Rivera, The Conversation, 20 May 2026
The northern lights could make a surprise cameo over the next few nights as space weather forecasters track possible impacts from coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched by the sun last week.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 4 Jun. 2026.
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