A two-dimensional model for a solar prominence

A two-dimensional magnetohydrostatic model of a vertical prominence sheet is set up by allowing slow variations of the magnetic field and plasma properties with height. The width of the prominence is found to decrease with height and in many cases the field lines become less curved, while the strength of the horizontal magnetic field increases with height, in agreement with observations. Since we are only considering a local analysis, the model applies to a general prominence sheet, whether of Kippenhahn-Schlüter or Kuperus-Raadu type. The challenge in the future is to understand the detailed fine-scale microstructure which takes place in the mould formed by the present global macro-models.On leave from: Departament de Fisica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, E-07071, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.