  The severe geomagnetic effects of solar storms or coronal mass ejections
(CMEs) are to a large degree determined by their propagation direction with
respect to Earth. There is a lack of understanding of the processes that
determine their non-radial propagation. Here we present a synthesis of data
from seven different space missions of a fast CME, which originated in an
active region near the disk centre and, hence, a significant geomagnetic impact
was forecasted. However, the CME is demonstrated to be channelled during
eruption into a direction + 37+/-10 degree (longitude) away from its source
region, leading only to minimal geomagnetic effects. In situ observations near
Earth and Mars confirm the channelled CME motion, and are consistent with an
ellipse shape of the CME-driven shock provided by the new Ellipse Evolution
model, presented here. The results enhance our understanding of CME propagation
and shape, which can help to improve space weather forecasts.
