Dynamical fine structure of a quiescent prominence

A quiescent prominence has been observed with the MSDP spectrograph at the Pic du Midi Observatory. H profiles are obtained simultaneously in a 2D field, allowing a statistical analysis. The standard deviations of Doppler shifts and line widths are investigated as functions of the line intensity. The observations are compared with numerical simulations assuming that the prominence is made of identical threads, the velocity of which is distributed according to gaussian functions. The processing of simulations is very close to the processing of observations. The mixing by seeing effects and the transfer of radiation across several threads along the line of sight are considered. The results are consistent with the values derived by Engvold et al. (1989) and Zirker and Koutchmy (1989, 1990, 1991).The best fits are obtained with the following conditions. The temperature is 8500 K. In the middle range of intensities, each pixel results typically from the mixing of 6 velocity threads, the optical thickness of which is roughly 0.2 at H center, and the geometrical thickness larger than 1000 km. It is likely that the velocity threads have larger sizes than the density threads. The fit of the results is improved by taking into account a slight scatter of source functions throughout the prominence.In the central parts of the prominence, the fit is obtained by assuming that the line-of-sight velocities of the threads have a gaussian probability function (standard deviation 7 km s^–1).In the edges, we suggest larger scatter of velocities, and two combined dispersions. The velocity threads observed along a given line of sight are supposed to have neighbouring velocities (dispersion 7 km s^–1) around a mean value taken at random inside another distribution function (dispersion 7 km s^–1).     

Visible coronal emission associated with a quiescent prominence

Emission-line coronagraph images of a high-latitude, nominally quiescent prominence, recorded at wavelengths of H, 6374 Å (Fex) and 5303 Å (Fe xiv), are analyzed. Over a two-day period, the coronal images, which are found to arise predominantly from coronal emission, evolve such that the emission becomes concentrated at locations corresponding to the outer regions of the prominence. This edge enhancement has similar characteristics to results inferred from EUV prominence observations. It is postulated that this coronal emission associated with the prominence results from MHD wave dissipation. Dissipation lengths for slow-mode, fast-mode and Alfvén waves are estimated for different prominence conditions. Of these, fast-mode waves appear to be the most physically realistic heating source if the prominence magnetic field is along the length of the prominence.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract AST 78-17292 with the National Science Foundation.     

The small scale velocity field of a quiescent prominence

The small scale velocity field of a large quiescent prominence is studied from simultaneous filtergrams in the red and violet wings of the Ca ii K-line.The average spatial separation of peak velocities is about 3000 km. The duration of individual velocity elements appears to increase with increasing area of the elements. In some positions of the prominence the direction of the velocity persists through the 5 hrs of observations. It is suggested that emitting elements of gas, which flow along the magnetic lines of force, produce peak velocities when they pass through particular locations of the prominence region.There is no clear evidence in the data for oscillations or waves.     

Oscillatory motions in an active prominence

Different types of oscillatory motions were detected in the late phases of eruption of a prominence. We found oscillations of the prominence axis and diameter with periods of 4.3 and 9.1 min, corresponding to the eigenmodes m = 4 and m = 8 with a damping factor 4.6 × 10^–3 s^–1. A period about 4.5 min was found for oscillations of the pitch angle of the helically twisted filaments. The m = 2 and m = 3 eigenmodes could be also identified and they led to the final relaxation of the prominence axis. The observations are compared with a model in which we consider forces acting in a curved, cylindrical magnetic tube anchored at both ends in the photosphere and carrying an electric current. The stability of the prominence is discussed.     

Periodic oscillations found in the velocity field of a quiescent prominence

With the purpose of detecting periodic oscillations or waves in a quiescent prominence, temporal variations of a Ca ii K line profile have been studied. The most conspicuous phenomenon found here is the fact that the edge of the prominence showed, over some 20000 km along the spectrograph-slit, periodic velocity fluctuations of nearly the same phase with periods of 210–240 s and with an amplitude of up to ± 2 kms ^–1. At other portions, several different periods of peaks (160–400 s) can also be seen in the power spectra, but less distinctly. As to the intensity and the line width, however, no periodic variations have been detected.     

The eruption of a quiescent prominence as observed in UV lines

We compare observations of an eruptive and a quiescent prominence in order to better understand the energetic processes in an eruptive prominence. Observations of an eruptive prominence were obtained in H, several UV emission lines (1215–1640 Å), and coronal white light at approximately 19:00 UT on September 20, 1980. The data we present shows the development of the eruption in the H and UV emission lines and is compared with the intensities from similar observations of a quiescent prominence. While the event is coincident with some coronal changes, above 1.2 and up to 1.5 solar radii, it does not result in a true coronal mass ejection event.The comparison between the eruptive and quiescent prominences reveals several differences which suggest that the activation consists not only of a mechanical movement of material, but also changes in the temperature of the prominence plasma. Some prominence material that does not seem to participate in the large scale prominence motion is heated during the eruptive event. Most of this material is heated to transition zone temperatures with almost no cool core (i.e., no or very little H emission). The behavior indicates that there are structures that are first cool and then heat up to transition zone temperatures (apparently remaining stable for some time at these temperatures). Since this is an unstable temperature region for prominence type structures the energy transport that allows this is not understood and presents an interesting theoretical problem.Member of the Carrera del Investigador, CONICET, Argentina, presently at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.     

Determination of the total amount of hydrogen atoms in a quiescent prominence

A brief quantitative review of the determination of the chemical composition of the Sun and stars is given. The method of estimation of the total amount of hydrogen atoms in a prominence is considered.The values of relative abundances of some infrequent elements in the solar atmosphere are refined using metal emission lines in the spectrum of a quiescent prominence. The most probable values of relative abundances for itrium _Y1×10^–9, zirconium _Zr2×10^–9, and scandium _Sc3.8×10^–9 are derived.     

Fine structure and evershed motions in the sunspot penumbra

The observed inhomogeneity of the intensity and Evershed motions means any model of the penumbra must be essentially inhomogeneous. A simple model is put forward in which the interaction of convection rolls with an initially homogeneous magnetohydrostatic sunspot field causes a concentration of flux in the dark filaments. This process drives Evershed motions outwards in these regions; the motions are superficial and shear the lines of force, so that the field appears stronger and more horizontal in the dark filaments. This situation must be time-dependent to avoid rapid destruc tion of the whole spot.     

Spectral analysis and the two-dimensional distribution of physical parameters in a quiescent prominence

The profiles of H and Ca ii K lines of a arch quiescent prominence on April 1, 1971 have been analyzed and the two-dimensional distributions of electron temperature T _e , micro-turbulence velocity v _t and the column number density of hydrogen along the line-of-sight N _H have been obtained. T _e , _t , and N _H are found to be 7500 K, 6 km s^–1 and 2.2 ^× 10¹⁸ cm^–2 on an average, respectively. The electron temperature at the central part of the prominence and along the two arcades are greater than that at the edges, while the distribution of the micro-turbulence velocity in these regions is opposite. There is no systematic variation in T _e and v _t , from the center to the periphery as described by Hirayama (1971). The column number density in the central region is lower than that at the two edges.The contour lines of T _e , _t , and N _H are predominantly vertical rather than horizontal. This implies that the height-variation of physical parameters in filamentary structure is small. The arrangement of this structure in the prominence is likely to be arched and is probably in the direction of magnetic field lines.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

A model of a quiescent prominence on the basis of studying the K Ca+ line fine structure

A model of a quiescent prominence with nonparallel structural elements, based on a study of the K Ca⁺ line fine structure of two quiescent prominences. The dependences of the radial velocities on the height found for the structural elements making up the prominence (Gigolashvili and Zhugzhda, 1982) gives the information on the inner spatial structure of the prominence. Analysis of the available data allows us to suggest an alternative model of a quiescent prominence.     

SOHO/SUMER observations and analysis of hydrogen Lyman lines in a quiescent prominence

A quiescent prominence was observed in June 1997 by instruments onboard the SOHO spacecraft: the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER), Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) and Extreme-Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT), along with the coronagraph of the Wrocaw University Observatory at Bialków and the spectrograph of the Ondejov Observatory. We present prominence observations in higher lines of the hydrogen Lyman series (from L to L-9), together with some other UV lines obtained by SUMER. We extract the basic characteristics of the calibrated line profiles of these Lyman lines and compare them with the theoretical profiles computed from three kinds of NLTE models which also include prominence filamentation. Our principal result is that the current NLTE models are in principle capable of explaining the SUMER calibrated intensities in the observed Lyman lines. We also find that in order to fit all these lines, one has to consider a prominence-corona transition region (PCTR) with a temperature gradient. At low pressures, higher Lyman lines are still rather sensitive to the incident radiation which must be carefully taken into account in the modeling. From PCTR models, which also take into account the effect of ambipolar diffusion on the heating, we have derived the formation depths for the Lyman series lines. High Lyman lines seem to be formed just at the base of the PCTR.     

The structure of a prominence sheet

A one-dimensional analysis of Kippenhahn-Schlüter type is applied to a sheet of prominence material inclined at an angle, to the horizontal. It is found that the magnetic pressure across the prominence no longer has a symmetric profile, but is stronger on the lower side of the sheet. This excess in magnetic pressure is necessary to balance the component of prominence weight in that direction. A matching function is derived and allows for variations along the length of the sheet, enabling the internal prominence solution to be linked onto a given background potential field. In this way a curved prominence sheet in a potential field may be resolved. A smooth profile for the magnetic field and a continuous variation of plasma pressure across the prominence region is then possible. An example is given in which the analysis is applied to a polar-crown prominence configuration of inverse polarity and the basic properties of the prominence are determined.     

A self-consistent model of a thermally balanced quiescent prominence in magnetostatic equilibrium in a uniform gravitational field

We present a theoretical model of quiescent prominences in the form of an infinite vertical sheet. Self-consistent solutions are obtained by integrating simultaneously the set of nonlinear equations of magnetostatic equilibrium and thermal balance. The basic features of the models are: (1) The prominence matter is confined to a sheet and supported against gravity by a bowed magnetic field. (2) The thermal flux is channelled along magnetic field lines. (3) The thermal flux is everywhere balanced by Low's (1975b) hypothetical heat sink which is proportional to the local density. (4) A constant component of the magnetic field along the length of the prominence shields the cool plasma from the hot surrounding. We assume that the prominence plasma emits more radiation than it absorbs from the radiation fields of the photosphere, chromosphere and corona, and we interpret the above hypothetical heat sink to represent the amount of radiative loss that must be balanced by a nonradiative energy input. Using a central density and temperature of 10¹¹ particles cm^–3 and 5000 K respectively, a magnetic field strength between 2 to 10 gauss and a thermal conductivity that varies linearly with temperature, we discuss the physical properties implied by the model. The analytic treatment can also be carried out for a class of more complex thermal conductivities. These models provide a useful starting point for investigating the combined requirements of magnetostatic equilibrium and thermal balance in the quiescent prominence.     

Dynamical fine structure of a quiescent filament

A quiescent filament was observed near the center of the disk (N5, W5) with the MSDP spectrograph of the 50 cm refractor of the Pic-du-Midi Observatory on June 17, 1986. We focus our study on the statistical moments of the Dopplershift,V ₁, and the intensity,I ₁, at the center of a chord of the Hα profile (±0.256 Å), versus the minimum intensityI ₀. We use a statistical model simulating a numbern _max of threads (of optical thicknessτ ₀ and source functionS ₀), seen over the chromosphere. The threadsj along the same line-of-sighti are identical except for the velocityv _j (gaussian distributionv ₀,σ _v). We search for the best fit between the observed and simulated quantities:V ₁,σ (V ₁),I ₁,σ(I ₁), and the histogram of theI ₀ values over the field of view. A good fit is obtained with: (a) threads characterized byτ ₀ = 0.2,S ₀ = 0.06 (unit of the continuum at disk center), mean upward velocityv ₀ = 1.7 km s⁻¹ and gaussian-type velocity distributionσ _v = 3.5 km s⁻¹. Other possible values ofτ ₀ andσ _v are discussed; (b) underlying chromosphere deduced from observed quiet Sun (outside the filament) by modifying the chromospheric velocities: additional mean upward velocity 0.7 km s⁻¹, standard deviation reduced by a factorF _c ∼ 0.7. The results are discussed in connection with the values deduced from prominence observations.     

Sudden disappearance of a large quiescent prominence on the solar disk,April 28, 1967

Observations are described of the sudden disappearance of a long quiescent filament whose development could be traced through four rotations from its first appearance on the disk between two well-separated active centers. Following the disappearance, plage-like chromospheric brightenings were observed on either side of the filament axis, with the separation distance increasing with time.The results are discussed in relationship to models in which the prominence is supported by photospheric magnetic fields and the brightenings result from the gravitational fall of material following the prominence eruption.     

Physical conditions in a quiescent prominence derived from UV spectra obtained with the UVSP instrument on the SMM

A quiescent prominence observed above the north-west limb on November 20, 1980, is analyzed using data obtained with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM). The spectral data include the lines 1215 Å of Hi, 1401 Å of Oiv, 1402 Å of Siiv, 1548 Å of Civ, 1640 Å of Hei, and 1655 Å of Ci. From an analysis of these lines and their emission patterns we deduce physical characteristics of the prominence plasma, and suggest in particular that the prominence consisted of flux tubes at various temperatures. In the hotter parts of the plasma the number density reached values of about 3 × 10¹¹ cm^#X2212;3.     

Line profile analysis of a coronal formation observed near a quiescent prominence: Intensities,temperatures and velocity fields

A technique developed for analysing line profiles with both speed and high accuracy was used to study the physical conditions of a coronal formation near a quiescent prominence. Detailed analyses of five coronal lines (Fe xiv λ 5303, Fe x λ 6374, Ni xv λ 6702, Fe xv λ 7059, and Fe xi λ 7892) provided total intensities, Doppler width temperatures, ionization temperatures, and velocities. Dissimilar spatial fluctuations in intensity are obvious for ions grouped according to (low vs high) ionization potentials. The intensity of the green line shows a local minimum around the observed quiescent prominence; a corresponding but much more diffuse pattern is visible in the red line intensity. Large differences are observed in temperatures derived by different means. In particular, , while , and . The differences between and are taken as direct evidence of temperature inhomogeneity. One can thus put little significance in T _e (xi/x). T _D(λ5303) and T _e (xv/xiv) fluctuate nearly in parallel at each slit height, with a weak local minimum evident around the prominence. The discrepancy between these two can be removed if a non-thermal turbulent motion of 6–16 km s⁻¹ is assumed. Variations with height of both T _D(λ5303) and T _e (xv/xiv) suggest that the coronal temperature maximum is located no more than 15000 km above the top of spicules. A negative gradient of about 6 deg km⁻¹ is found in the height variation of T _D(λ5303). The height variation of the green line wavelength shows that the majority of coronal material in this region is flowing from west to east on the Sun, with the highest velocity of 12 km s⁻¹ found at the lowest heights. This motion is in the same sense as that of the nearby coronal rain, as determined both from the spectra and wavelength-shifted Hα filtergrams. Superposed on the above flow is a systematic velocity field of up to ±5 km s⁻¹. This field similarly reaches maximum amplitudes at lowest heights showing a local maximum around the prominence. On leave from Institute of Earth Science and Astrophysics, Shiga University, Ohtsu 520, Japan, as 1973–75 National Academy of Science/National Research Council Senior Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Sacramento Peak Observatory.     

Dynamics and internal structure of an eruptive prominence

The kinematics and the development of the internal structure in the eruptive prominence of August 16, 1988 are described. The prominence exposed helical structure, and the pitch of the fine structure filaments was measured. The evolution of the pitch was measured in the legs of the prominence and at its summit from the pre-eruptive phase up to the late phases of the eruption. The pitch angle was decreasing in the legs as well as at the summit. However, the observations indicate that the integral twist remained constant. The prominence was twisted more at the summit where it was wider than in the legs. The effective twist at the prominence summit was approximately 20 and in the legs it amounted to about 8 . Such a ratio did not change during the eruption, i.e., no redistribution of the twist was observed within the accuracy of measurements. The nature of the instability causing the eruption is discussed and the energetics of the process is considered.     

Motions in a loop prominence

Motions of loop prominence knots have been studied on H-line filtergrams. By making use of contours of equal photographic density for entire cinegram it has been possible to significantly decrease the error in determining the locations of the knots. The method of mean velocities has been developed, which has permitted for the first time accurate determination of the laws of knot motion with sufficient accuracy. Two types of falling knots are distinguished: (1) those with a constant acceleration that is always below the gravitational acceleration, and (2) those with a constant velocity. The initial velocity of the falling knots is always different from zero. The gasdynamic theory has been developed to explain the deceleration of the two types of knots due to: the work done against the pressure force; pileup plasma raking; and shock-wave generation. The shock mechanism imparts a constant velocity to the motion. The temperature along the knot trajectories has been estimated. The ratio of the densities in the knots to the surrounding medium has been found.The aim of the present work is to gain new insight into the known observations of the motions in active prominences, in particular in the loop prominences, and to understand the reasons for the observed motions.A number of studies of prominence knot motions have been made using filter photographs (cinefilms). It seems to us, however, that the velocities (and especially acceleration) of individual knots have been determined within insufficient accuracy. It will be noted first of all that values of V(t) have been determined with a low accuracy by some authors even for high velocities (V 100 km s^–1). In fact, to achieve at least 10% accuracy in determining V by comparing two photographs obtained with a 30 s interval, it is necessary to measure the location of knots to 0.5 accuracy. The problem is the more complicated as the size of the knots can often reach 5 × 10. This is why the temporal dependence of the velocity of prominence knot motion is represented with a complicated curve.     

Spectrophotometry of the corona and a quiescent prominence based on observations of the total solar eclipse of 7 March, 1970 in Mexico

Slit spectrograms of a quiescent prominence and the inner corona (h2.5 arc min) in the range 3400–7000 Å (dispersion 6–10 Å/mm) were obtained. From an analysis of the Stark effect on the Balmer lines (up to number 36) the electron density in the prominence n _e = (7 ± 3) × 10¹⁰ cm^–3 was deduced. The kinetic temperature T _k and the non-thermal velocities _t, found from a simultaneous consideration of the Balmer and metal lines, are T _k 10 000 K and v _t6 km/s. Also the emission measure of the prominence along the line-of-sight was found: ME = 10³¹ cm^–5.In the coronal spectrum 24 coronal lines were found. Thirteen of these lines were identified and measured photometrically to get their absolute intensities, profiles and halfwidths. For nine lines the intensities as a function of the height were studied and on this basis the coronal lines were divided into a few groups. The line-of-sight and non-thermal velocities are _r 10 km/s and _t 25 km/s. The coronal lines originate in at least three types of regions with different temperatures. The emission measure as a function of the ionization temperature was determined. The abundances of four elements of the iron group (V, Cr, Mn, Co) were estimated. The abundances of the other elements of the same group (A, Ca, Fe, Ni), found from EUV-data, are in a good agreement with our observations. The degree of inhomogeneity in the corona was estimated: .