Solar eruptions, which are observed as prominence eruptions, flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are the largest energy release processes in the solar system and the main driver of space-weather disturbances at Earth. While over the past decades we have seen tremendous progress in both observations and theory/modeling of solar eruptions, and have learned that these enigmatic phenomena constitute a violent disruption of the coronal magnetic field, there remain a number of unanswered questions, such as of the exact nature of the pre-eruptive magnetic configuration and the physical mechanisms that trigger and drive eruptions. In this seminar talk, I will review our current understanding of these two important aspects. Furthermore, I will discuss recent developments of CME modeling frameworks for community use, and their prospects for serving as physics-based operational space-weather forecast tools in the foreseeable future.

Allison N Jaynes
(On behalf of Pillar-1 of PRESTO & SCOSTEP leadership)