Prominence-corona Transition Region Research Articles

Mixing, heating and ion-neutral decoupling induced by Rayleigh-Taylor instability in prominence-corona transition regions.

This study explores nonlinear development of the magnetized Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in a prominence-corona transition region. Using a two-fluid model of a partially ionized plasma, we compare RTI simulations for several different magnetic field configurations. We follow prior descriptions of the numerical prominence model (Popescu Braileanu et al. 2021 Astron. Astrophys. 646, A93(doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202039053),Popescu Braileanu et al. 2021 Astron. Astrophys. 650, A181 (doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202140425)and Popescu Braileanu et al. 2023 Astron. Astrophys. 670, A31(doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202142996)) and explore the charged-neutral fluid coupling and plasma heating in a two-dimensional mixing layer for different magnetic field configurations. We also investigate how the shear in magnetic field surrounding a prominence may impact the release of the gravitational potential energy of the prominence material. We show that the flow decoupling is strongest in the plane normal to the direction of the magnetic field, where neutral pressure gradients drive ion-neutral drifts and frictional heating is balanced by adiabatic cooling of the expanding prominence material. We also show that magnetic field within the mixing plane can lead to faster nonlinear release of the gravitational energy driving the RTI, while more efficiently heating the plasma via viscous dissipation of associated plasma flows. We relate the computational results to potential observables by highlighting how integrating over under-resolved two-fluid sub-structure may lead to misinterpretation of observational data. This article is part of the theme issue 'Partially ionized plasma of the solar atmosphere: recent advances and future pathways'.

Self-consistent equilibrium models of prominence thin threads heated by Alfvén waves propagating from the photosphere

The fine structure of solar prominences is composed of thin threads that outline the prominence magnetic field lines. Observations have shown that transverse waves of Alfvénic nature are ubiquitous in prominence threads. These waves are driven at the photosphere and propagate to prominences suspended in the corona. Heating due to Alfvén wave dissipation could be a relevant mechanism in the cool and partially ionised prominence plasma. In this work, we explore the construction of 1D equilibrium models of prominence thin threads that satisfy an energy balance condition between radiative losses, thermal conduction, and Alfvén wave heating. We assumed the presence of a broadband driver at the photosphere that launches Alfvén waves towards the prominence. An iterative method was implemented in which the energy balance equation and the Alfvén wave equation are consecutively solved. From the energy balance equation and considering no wave heating initially, we computed the equilibrium profiles along the thread of the temperature, density, ionisation fraction, and other relevant parameters. On these equilibrium profiles, we used the Alfvén wave equation to compute the wave heating rate, which was then put back in the energy balance equation to obtain new equilibrium profiles, and so on. The process was repeated until convergence to a self-consistent thread model heated by Alfvén waves was achieved. We obtained equilibrium models composed of a cold and dense thread, an extremely thin prominence-corona transition region, and an extended coronal region. We found that the length of the cold thread decreases with the temperature at the prominence core and increases with the Alfvén wave energy flux injected at the photosphere. However, computed equilibrium models for large wave energy fluxes are not possible when the wave heating rate inside the cold thread becomes larger than the radiative losses. The maximum value of the wave energy flux that allows for an equilibrium depends on the prominence core temperature. This constrains the existence of thread equilibria in realistic conditions.

One-dimensional prominence threads

Context. Threads are the building blocks of solar prominences and very often show longitudinal oscillatory motions that are strongly attenuated with time. The damping mechanism responsible for the reported oscillations is not fully understood yet. Aims. To understand the oscillations and damping of prominence threads we must first investigate the nature of the equilibrium solutions that arise under static conditions and under the presence of radiative losses, thermal conduction, and background heating. This provides the basis to calculate the eigenmodes of the thread models. Methods. The non-linear ordinary differential equations for hydrostatic and thermal equilibrium under the presence of gravity are solved using standard numerical techniques and simple analytical expressions are derived under certain approximations. The solutions to the equations represent a prominence thread, a dense and cold plasma region of a certain length that connects with the corona through a prominence corona transition region (PCTR). The solutions can also match with a chromospheric-like layer if a spatially dependent heating function localised around the footpoints is considered. Results. We have obtained static solutions representing prominence threads and have investigated in detail the dependence of these solutions on the different parameters of the model. Among other results, we show that multiple condensations along a magnetic field line are possible, and that the effect of partial ionisation in the model can significantly modify the thermal balance in the thread, and therefore their length. This last parameter is also shown to be comparable to that reported in the observations when the radiative losses are reduced for typical thread temperatures.

Solar prominence diagnostics from non-LTE modelling of Mg II h&k line profiles

Aims. We investigate a new method to for obtaining the plasma parameters of solar prominences observed in the Mg II h&k spectral lines by comparing line profiles from the IRIS satellite to a bank of profiles computed with a one-dimensional non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) radiative transfer code. Methods. Using a grid of 1007 one-dimensional non-LTE radiative transfer models, some including a prominence-corona transition region (PCTR), we carry out this new method to match computed spectra to observed line profiles while accounting for line core shifts not present in the models. The prominence observations were carried out by the IRIS satellite on 19 April 2018. Results. The prominence is very dynamic with many flows, including a large arm extending from the main body seen near the end of the observation. This flow is found to be redshifted, as is the prominence overall. The models are able to recover satisfactory matches in areas of the prominence where single line profiles are observed. We recover: mean temperatures of 6000–50 000 K; mean pressures of 0.01–0.5 dyne cm−2; column masses of 3.7 × 10−8–5 × 10−4 g cm−2; a mean electron density of 7.3 × 108–1.8 × 1011 cm−3; and an ionisation degree nHII/nHI = 0.03 − 4500. The highest values for the ionisation degree are found in areas where the line of sight crosses mostly plasma from the PCTR, correlating with high mean temperatures and correspondingly no Hα emission. Conclusions. This new method naturally returns information on how closely the observed and computed profiles match, allowing the user to identify areas where no satisfactory match between models and observations can be obtained. The inclusion of the PCTR was found to be important when fitting models to data as regions where satisfactory fits were found were more likely to contain a model encompassing a PCTR. The line core shift can also be recovered from this new method, and it shows a good qualitative match with that of the line core shift found by the quantile method. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach to line core shifts in the new method.

QUIESCENT PROMINENCES IN THE ERA OF ALMA: SIMULATED OBSERVATIONS USING THE 3D WHOLE-PROMINENCE FINE STRUCTURE MODEL

ABSTRACT We use the detailed 3D whole-prominence fine structure model to produce the first simulated high-resolution ALMA observations of a modeled quiescent solar prominence. The maps of synthetic brightness temperature and optical thickness shown in the present paper are produced using a visualization method for synthesis of the submillimeter/millimeter radio continua. We have obtained the simulated observations of both the prominence at the limb and the filament on the disk at wavelengths covering a broad range that encompasses the full potential of ALMA. We demonstrate here extent to which the small-scale and large-scale prominence and filament structures will be visible in the ALMA observations spanning both the optically thin and thick regimes. We analyze the relationship between the brightness and kinetic temperature of the prominence plasma. We also illustrate the opportunities ALMA will provide for studying the thermal structure of the prominence plasma from the cores of the cool prominence fine structure to the prominence–corona transition region. In addition, we show that detailed 3D modeling of entire prominences with their numerous fine structures will be important for the correct interpretation of future ALMA observations of prominences.

Properties of the prominence magnetic field and plasma distributions as obtained from 3D whole-prominence fine structure modeling

Aims. We analyze distributions of the magnetic field strength and prominence plasma (temperature, pressure, plasma β , and mass) using the 3D whole-prominence fine structure model.Methods. The model combines a 3D magnetic field configuration of an entire prominence, obtained from non-linear force-free field simulations, with a detailed semi-empirically derived description of the prominence plasma. The plasma is located in magnetic dips in hydrostatic equilibrium and is distributed along multiple fine structures within the 3D magnetic model.Results. We show that in the modeled prominence, the variations of the magnetic field strength and its orientation are insignificant on scales comparable to the smallest dimensions of the observed prominence fine structures. We also show the ability of the 3D whole-prominence fine structure model to reveal the distribution of the prominence plasma with respect to its temperature within the prominence volume. This provides new insights into the composition of the prominence-corona transition region. We further demonstrate that the values of the plasma β are small throughout the majority of the modeled prominences when realistic photospheric magnetic flux distributions and prominence plasma parameters are assumed. While this is generally true, we also find that in the region with the deepest magnetic dips, the plasma β may increase towards unity. Finally, we show that the mass of the modeled prominence plasma is in good agreement with the mass of observed non-eruptive prominences.

Open questions on prominences from coordinated observations by IRIS, Hinode, SDO/AIA, THEMIS, and the Meudon/MSDP

Context. A large prominence was observed on September 24, 2013, for three hours (12:12 UT -15:12 UT) with the newly launched (June 2013) Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), THEMIS (Tenerife), the Hinode Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), the Solar Dynamic Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (SDO/AIA), and the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass spectrograph (MSDP) in the Meudon Solar Tower. Aims. The aim of this work is to study the dynamics of the prominence fine structures in multiple wavelengths to understand their formation. Methods. The spectrographs IRIS and MSDP provided line profiles with a high cadence in Mg II and in Halpha lines. Results. The magnetic field is found to be globally horizontal with a relatively weak field strength (8-15 Gauss). The Ca II movie reveals turbulent-like motion that is not organized in specific parts of the prominence. On the other hand, the Mg II line profiles show multiple peaks well separated in wavelength. Each peak corresponds to a Gaussian profile, and not to a reversed profile as was expected by the present non-LTE radiative transfer modeling. Conclusions. Turbulent fields on top of the macroscopic horizontal component of the magnetic field supporting the prominence give rise to the complex dynamics of the plasma. The plasma with the high velocities (70 km/s to 100 km/s if we take into account the transverse velocities) may correspond to condensation of plasma along more or less horizontal threads of the arch-shape structure visible in 304 A. The steady flows (5 km/s) would correspond to a more quiescent plasma (cool and prominence-corona transition region) of the prominence packed into dips in horizontal magnetic field lines. The very weak secondary peaks in the Mg II profiles may reflect the turbulent nature of parts of the prominence.

SIMULATING THE IN SITU CONDENSATION PROCESS OF SOLAR PROMINENCES

Prominences in the solar corona are a hundredfold cooler and denser than their surroundings, with a total mass of 1013 up to 1015 g. Here, we report on the first comprehensive simulations of three-dimensional, thermally and gravitationally stratified magnetic flux ropes where in situ condensation to a prominence occurs due to radiative losses. After a gradual thermodynamic adjustment, we witness a phase where runaway cooling occurs while counter-streaming shearing flows drain off mass along helical field lines. After this drainage, a prominence-like condensation resides in concave upward field regions, and this prominence retains its overall characteristics for more than two hours. While condensing, the prominence establishes a prominence-corona transition region where magnetic field-aligned thermal conduction is operative during the runaway cooling. The prominence structure represents a force-balanced state in a helical flux rope. The simulated condensation demonstrates a right-bearing barb, as a remnant of the drainage. Synthetic images at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths follow the onset of the condensation, and confirm the appearance of horns and a three-part structure for the stable prominence state, as often seen in erupting prominences. This naturally explains recent Solar Dynamics Observatory views with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on prominences in coronal cavities demonstrating horns.

Magnetic field and radiative transfer modelling of a quiescent prominence

Aims. The aim of this work is to analyse the multi-instrument observations of the June 22, 2010 prominence to study its structure in detail, including the prominence-corona transition region and the dark bubble located below the prominence body.Methods. We combined results of the 3D magnetic field modelling with 2D prominence fine structure radiative transfer models to fully exploit the available observations.Results. The 3D linear force-free field model with the unsheared bipole reproduces the morphology of the analysed prominence reasonably well, thus providing useful information about its magnetic field configuration and the location of the magnetic dips. The 2D models of the prominence fine structures provide a good representation of the local plasma configuration in the region dominated by the quasi-vertical threads. However, the low observed Lyman-α central intensities and the morphology of the analysed prominence suggest that its upper central part is not directly illuminated from the solar surface.Conclusions. This multi-disciplinary prominence study allows us to argue that a large part of the prominence-corona transition region plasma can be located inside the magnetic dips in small-scale features that surround the cool prominence material located in the dip centre. We also argue that the dark prominence bubbles can be formed because of perturbations of the prominence magnetic field by parasitic bipoles, causing them to be devoid of the magnetic dips. Magnetic dips, however, form thin layers that surround these bubbles, which might explain the occurrence of the cool prominence material in the lines of sight intersecting the prominence bubbles.

THE DYNAMICS OF FUNNEL PROMINENCES

We present numerical simulations in 2.5D settings where large scale prominences form in situ out of coronal condensation in magnetic dips, in close agreement with early as well as recent reporting of `funnel prominences'. Our simulation uses full thermodynamic MHD with anisotropic thermal conduction, optically thin radiative losses, and parametrized heating as main ingredients to establish a realistic arcade configuration from chromosphere to corona. The chromospheric evaporation from especially transition region heights ultimately causes thermal instability and we witness the growth of a prominence suspended well above the transition region, continuously gaining mass and cross-sectional area. Several hours later, the condensation has grown into a structure connecting the prominence-corona transition region with the underlying transition region, and a continuous downward motion from the accumulated mass represents a drainage that matches observational findings. A more dynamic phase is found as well, with coronal rain, induced wave trains, and even a reconnection event when the core prominence plasma weighs down the fieldlines until a fluxrope gets formed. The upper part of the prominence is then trapped in a fluxrope structure, and we argue for its violent kink-unstable eruption as soon as the (ignored) length dimension would allow for ideal kink deformations.

Rayleigh-Taylor instability in prominences from numerical simulations including partial ionization effects

We study the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) at a prominence-corona transition region in a non-linear regime. Our aim is to understand how the presence of neutral atoms in the prominence plasma influences the instability growth rate, and the evolution of velocity, magnetic field vector and thermodynamic parameters of turbulent drops. We perform 2.5D numerical simulations of the instability initiated by a multi-mode perturbation at the corona-prominence interface using a single-fluid MHD approach including a generalized Ohm's law. The initial equilibrium configuration is purely hydrostatic and contains a homogeneous horizontal magnetic field forming an angle with the direction in which the plasma is perturbed. We analyze simulations with two different orientations of the magnetic field. For each field orientation we compare two simulations, one for the pure MHD case, and one including the ambipolar diffusion in the Ohm's law (AD case). Other than that, both simulations for each field orientation are identical. The numerical results in the initial stage of the instability are compared with the analytical linear calculations. We find that the configuration is always unstable in the AD case. The growth rate of the small-scale modes in the non-linear regime is up to 50% larger in the AD case than in the purely MHD case and the average velocities of flows are a few percent larger. Significant drift momenta are found at the interface between the coronal and the prominence material at all stages of the instability, produced by the faster downward motion of the neutral component with respect to the ionized component. The differences in temperature of the bubbles between the ideal and non-ideal case are also significant, reaching 30%. There is an asymmetry between large rising bubbles and small-scale down flowing fingers, favoring the detection of upward velocities in observations.

On the formation of Mg ii h and k lines in solar prominences

Aims. With the recent launch of the IRIS mission, it has become urgent to develop the spectral diagnostics using the Mg ii resonance h and k lines. In this paper, we aim to demonstrate the behavior of these lines under various prominence conditions. Our results serve as a basis for analysis of new IRIS data and for more sophisticated prominence modeling.Methods. For this exploratory work, we use a canonical 1D prominence-slab model, which is isobaric and may have three different temperature structures: isothermal, PCTR-like (prominence-corona transition region), and consistent with the radiative equilibrium. The slabs are illuminated by a realistic incident solar radiation obtained from the UV observations. A five-level plus continuum Mg ii model atom is used to solve the full NLTE problem of the radiative transfer. We use the numerical code based on the ALI techniques and apply the partial frequency redistribution for both Mg ii resonance lines. We also use the velocity-dependent boundary conditions to study the effect of Doppler dimming in the case of moving prominences. Finally, the relaxation technique is used to compute a grid of models in radiative equilibrium.Results. We computed the Mg ii h and k line profiles that are emergent from prominence-slab models and show their dependence on kinetic temperature, gas pressure, geometrical extension, and microturbulent velocity. By increasing the line opacity, significant departures from the complete frequency redistribution take place in the line wings. Models with a PCTR temperature structure show that Mg ii becomes ionized to Mg iii in the temperature range between roughly 15 000 and 30 000 K. Doppler dimming is significant for Mg ii resonance lines. At the velocity 300 km s-1 , the line intensity decreases to about 20% of the value for static prominences. Finally, we demonstrate the role of Mg ii h and k radiation losses on the prominence energy balance. Their dominant role is at lower pressures, while the losses due to hydrogen and Ca ii dominate at higher pressures.

SOLAR MAGNETIZED TORNADOES: ROTATIONAL MOTION IN A TORNADO-LIKE PROMINENCE

Su et al. 2012 proposed a new explanation for filament formation and eruption, where filament barbs are rotating magnetic structures driven by underlying vortices on the surface. Such structures have been noticed as tornado-like prominences when they appear above the limb. They may play a key role as the source of plasma and twist in filaments. However, no observations have successfully distinguished rotational motion of the magnetic structures in tornado-like prominences from other motions such as oscillation and counter-streaming plasma flows. Here we report evidence of rotational motions in a tornado-like prominence. The spectroscopic observations in two coronal lines were obtained from a specifically designed Hinode/EIS observing program. The data revealed the existence of both cold and million-degree-hot plasma in the prominence leg, supporting the so-called "the prominence-corona transition region". The opposite velocities at the two sides of the prominence and their persistent time evolution, together with the periodic motions evident in SDO/AIA dark structures, indicate a rotational motion of both cold and hot plasma with a speed of $\sim$5 km s$^{-1}$.

Kappa-distributions and Temperature Structure of the Prominence-Corona Transition Region

AbstractThe influence of the electron κ - distributions on the differential emission measure (DEM) of the prominence-corona transition region (PCTR) derived from observed line intensities has been investigated. An important consequence of the κ - distribution is formation of the emission lines in much wider temperature ranges. The implications for the formation temperature of the observed SDO/AIA band emissions are shown.

On the nature of the prominence - corona transition region

AbstractDue to the complexity of their environment, prominences properties are still a matter of controversy. Prominences cool and dense plasma is suspended in the hot corona by a magnetic structure poorly known. Their thermal insulation from the corona results in a thin geometrical interface called prominence-corona-transition-region (PCTR). Here we will review the main properties of such a region as derived primarily from observations. We will introduce the thermal structure properties, describe the fine structure together with the Doppler-shift and width properties of lines of the emitting plasma. We will introduce the proposed interpretations of such observations and the limits of our knowledge imposed by the present instrumentation. We will conclude with a perspective for the future observations of the PCTR.

Non-linear force-free magnetic dip models of quiescent prominence fine structures

Aims. We use 3D non-linear force-free magnetic field modeling of prominence/filament magnetic fields to develop the first 2D models of individual prominence fine structures based on the 3D configuration of the magnetic field of the whole prominence. Methods. We use an iterative technique to fill the magnetic dips produced by the 3D modeling with realistic prominence plasma in hydrostatic equilibrium and with a temperature structure that contains the prominence-corona transition region. With this welldefined plasma structure the radiative transfer can be treated in detail in 2D and the resulting synthetic emission can be compared with prominence/filament observations. Results. Newly developed non-linear force-free magnetic dip models are able to produce synthetic hydrogen Lyman spectra in a qualitative agreement with a range of quiescent prominence observations. Moreover, the plasma structure of these models agrees with the gravity induced prominence fine structure models which have already been shown to produce synthetic spectra in good qualitative agreement with several observed prominences. Conclusions. We describe in detail the iterative technique which can be used to produce realistic plasma models of prominence fine structures located in prominence magnetic field configurations containing dips, obtained using any kind of magnetic field modeling.

ON THE NATURE OF PROMINENCE EMISSION OBSERVED BYSDO/AIA

The Prominence-Corona Transition Region (PCTR) plays a key role in the thermal and pressure equilibrium of solar prominences. Our knowledge of this interface is limited and several major issues remain open, including the thermal structure and, in particular, the maximum temperature of the detectable plasma. The high signal-to-noise ratio of images obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory clearly show that prominences are often seen in emission in the 171 and 131 bands. We investigate the temperature sensitivity of these AIA bands for prominence observation, in order to infer the temperature content in an effort to explain the emission. Using the CHIANTI atomic database and previously determined prominence differential emission measure distributions, we build synthetic spectra to establish the main emission-line contributors in the AIA bands. We find that the Fe IX line always dominates the 171 band, even in the absence of plasma at > 10^6 K temperatures, while the 131 band is dominated by Fe VIII. We conclude that the PCTR has sufficient plasma emitting at > 4 10^5 K to be detected by AIA.

PLASMA DYNAMICS AT THE PROMINENCE-CORONA INTERFACE

The interface between the cool and dense plasma typical of a prominence and its tenuous and hot surrounding coronal plasma is poorly understood. We study the plasma dynamics at this interface using a three-dimensional particle-in-cell code, which enables us to carry out simulations on spatial and temporal scales of the order of the Debye length and plasma period, respectively. The results show that anomalous Bohm diffusion across magnetic field lines occurs at the interface, leading to mixing of the two plasmas. It is also shown that collisions with neutral hydrogen within the prominence plasma are of little importance for the plasma dynamics in the prominence-corona transition region. In particular, the temperature of the prominence plasma crossing the interface into the corona can become anisotropic due to preferential heating by instabilities originating from unstable velocity distributions. Our results pertain to spatial scales significantly smaller than scales commonly used in magnetohydrodynamic simulations, and they shed light on processes that are very likely to be present at the interface.

THE THERMAL INSTABILITY OF SOLAR PROMINENCE THREADS

The fine structure of solar prominences and filaments appears as thin and long threads in high-resolution images. In H-alpha observations of filaments, some threads can be observed for only 5 - 20 minutes before they seem to fade and eventually disappear, suggesting that these threads may have very short lifetimes. The presence of an instability might be the cause of this quick disappearance. Here, we study the thermal instability of prominence threads as an explanation of their sudden disappearance from H-alpha observations. We model a prominence thread as a magnetic tube with prominence conditions embedded in a coronal environment. We assume a variation of the physical properties in the transverse direction, so that the temperature and density continuously change from internal to external values in an inhomogeneous transitional layer representing the particular prominence-corona transition region (PCTR) of the thread. We use the nonadiabatic and resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations, which include terms due to thermal conduction parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field, radiative losses, heating, and magnetic diffusion. We combine both analytical and numerical methods to study linear perturbations from the equilibrium state, focusing on unstable thermal solutions. We find that thermal modes are unstable in the PCTR for temperatures higher than 80,000 K, approximately. These modes are related to temperature disturbances that can lead to changes in the equilibrium due to rapid plasma heating or cooling. For typical prominence parameters, the instability time scale is of the order of a few minutes and is independent of the form of the temperature profile within the PCTR of the thread. This result indicates that thermal instability may play an important role for the short lifetimes of threads in the observations.

Synthetic differential emission measure curves of prominence fine structures

Aims. This study is the first attempt to combine the prominence observations in Lyman, UV, and EUV lines with the determination of the prominence differential emission measure derived using two different techniques, one based on the inversion of the observed UV and EUV lines and the other employing 2D non-LTE prominence fine-structure modeling of the Lyman spectra. Methods. We use a trial-and-error method to derive the 2D multi-thread prominence fine-structure model producing synthetic Lyman spectra in good agreement with the observations. We then employ a numerical method to perform the forward determination of the DEM from 2D multi-thread models and compare the synthetic DEM curves with those derived from observations using inversion techniques. Results. A set of available observations of the June 8, 2004 prominence allows us to determine the range of input parameters, which contains models producing synthetic Lyman spectra in good agreement with the observations. We select three models, which represent this parametric-space area well and compute the synthetic DEM curves for multi-thread realizations of these models. The synthetic DEM curves of selected models are in good agreement with the DEM curves derived from the observations. Conclusions. We show that the evaluation of the prominence fine-structure DEM complements the analysis of the prominence hydrogen Lyman spectra and that its combination with the detailed radiative-transfer modeling of prominence fine structures provides a useful tool for investigating the prominence temperature structure from the cool core to the prominence-corona transition region.