Structure and stability of prominences with helical structure

Abstract

Observations of internal structure and development of four helical prominences are presented. We assume that the helically twisted fine structure threads are outlining magnetic field lines and we found that it is possible to describe the magnetic fields by the uniform twist configuration, with the twists ranging between 2π and 7π. The estimated lower limits for the magnetic fields were about 20 G which give lower limits for the currents flowing along the prominences in the range between 2 × 1010 A and 2 × 1011 A and current densities at the axis of the prominences about 10-4 A m-2. The upper limit of electron drift velocity could be estimated as 1 m s-1, which is far below the critical velocities for the onset of plasma microinstabilities. The stability of the studied prominences is discussed and the criteria for the onset of eruptive instability are established for a prominence modelled as a twisted and elliptically curved magnetic flux tube which is anchored in the photosphere and affected by its ‘mirror-current’. The eruption starts when the prominence attains a critical height which must be larger than half of the footpoint separation and depends on the values of twist, radius, and footpoint distance of the magnetic flux tube. The observed examples of eruptive prominences agree very well with the predictions. Possible applications to the two-ribbon flare process are outlined. Properties of stable cylindrical prominences in equilibrium are analyzed and a criterion for the distinction between the Kuperus-Raadu and Kippenhahn-Schluter types of prominences is proposed. According to established criteria, two of the studied prominences were of the Kuperus-Raadu type, while the other two were of the Kippenhahn-Schluter type.