Stability analysis of two-dimensional models of quiescent prominences

Using the MHD energy principle of Bernstein et al. (1958) we develop a formalism in order to analyze the stability properties of two-dimensional magnetostatic plasma equilibria. We apply this to four models of quiescent prominences, namely those of Menzel (1951), Dungey (1953), Kippenhahn and Schlüter (1957), and finally Lerche and Low (1980). For the observed parameter range, all models are stable and they explain reasonably well the reported flare-initiated oscillations in quiescent prominences. We also investigate other parameters regions, which may be relevant in some stellar atmospheres. It is found that, with the exception of the Kippenhahn and Schlüter model, all models become unstable. The instabilities that occur show simultaneously several features of well-known MHD-instabilities. However, an unequivocal assignment of the instabilities to specific instability prototypes is not possible. Our formalism allows one to investigate not only more realistic prominence equilibria, but also arbitrary one- and two-dimensional static ideal MHD-equilibria.