Coronal mass ejection and solar flare initiation processes without appreciable changes of the large-scale magnetic field topology

Abstract We demonstrate that spurious three-dimensional re-constructions from two-dimensional images and movies of solar flares and coronal mass ejections can arise as a result of viewing conditions and projection effects, which are not always properly taken into account in the current literature. Theory and observations indicate that eruptions can proceed with or without large-scale topological changes of prominences and coronal magnetic fields. Electric currents and plasma drifts in crossed electric and magnetic fields play not negligible, but important role. This means that large-scale magnetic reconnections understood as topological transitions in the magnetic field are not always necessary for eruptions. The scenario of expanding and rising non-planar systems of preexisting loops and arcades, which are deforming when shearing at bottom parts, twisting and rotating at summits, satisfactory fits available observations. Movies are presented demonstrating this type of behavior with a preserved magnetic connectivity.