Erupting solar magnetic flux ropes: Theory and observation

Measurements of coronograph (LASCO) and extreme-ultraviolet (EIT) images ar e presented for 11 coronal mass ejection (CME) events. Detailed measurement s of these events, selected because they have flux-rope-like morphological features, show excellent agreement with results from a theoretical model of erupting flux-rope dynamics. Here, data are used to provide inputs and con straints on the model wherever possible. We conclude that flux rope CMEs co nstitute a distinct class of CMEs, characterized by specific morphological and dynamical properties.