Interpretation of broad-band polarimetry of solar coronal transients - Importance of H-alpha emission

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (71) References (16) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Interpretation of broad-band polarimetry of solar coronal transients: importance of the Halpha emission. Poland, A. I. ; Munro, R. H. Abstract An eruptive prominence and coronal transient was observed in H-alpha, He II 304-A, and coronal white light (3700-7000 A). This event was generically similar to many other coronal transients associated with eruptive prominences in that loops of material propagated outward through the corona. It differed in that some of the prominence material was observed above 1.75 solar radii in both coronal white light and He II. Polarization analysis of the white-light data shows that the observed radiance from the loop-like transient was entirely due to free electron or Thomson scattering, whereas the white-light radiance from the prominence material was dominated by H-alpha emission. By comparing the white-light observations with model calculations, the densities along the loop and limits on the temperature and density of the prominence are obtained. Material observed in both white light and He II is shown to be cool prominence material, whereas analysis indicates that the transient-loop material is hot and coronal in origin. The time sequence of observations leads to the hypothesis that the prominence material is heated as it is ejected from the sun. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1976 DOI: 10.1086/154791 Bibcode: 1976ApJ...209..927P Keywords: H Alpha Line; Polarimetry; Solar Corona; Solar Prominences; Broadband; Electron Scattering; Helium; Polarization Characteristics; Thomson Scattering; Solar Physics full text sources ADS |