Prominence Fine Structures Research Articles

The diversity of spectral shapes of hydrogen Lyman lines and Mg II lines in a quiescent prominence

Context. Broad sets of spectroscopic observations comprising multiple lines represent an excellent opportunity for diagnostics of the properties of the prominence plasma and the dynamics of their fine structures. However, they also bring significant challenges when they are compared with synthetic spectra provided by radiative transfer modeling. Aims. In this work, we provide a statistical spectroscopic analysis of a unique dataset of coordinated prominence observations in the Lyman lines (Lyα to Lyδ) and the Mg II k and h lines. The observed data were obtained by the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) spectrograph on board of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SoHO) satellite and the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) on 22 October 2013. Only a few similar coordinated datasets of Lyman and Mg II k and h observations have ever been obtained in prominences and we present here the first analysis using these two sets of spectral lines. Moreover, for the first time, we assess the influence of noise on the statistical properties of the studied profile characteristics. Methods. We focus on the following profile characteristics: the shape of the observed line profiles based on the number of distinct peaks, the integrated line intensity, the center-to-peak ratio describing the depth of the reversal of two-peaked profiles, and the asymmetry of these peaks. Results. We show that the presence of noise has a negligible effect on the integrated intensity of all observed lines, but it significantly affects the classification of spectral profiles using the number of distinct peaks, the reversal depth, and also the peak asymmetry. We also demonstrate that by taking the influence of noise into account, we can assess which profile characteristics in which spectral lines are suitable for diagnostics of different properties of the observed prominence. For example, we show that the subordinate peaks (peaks below error bars) in the Lyman line profiles are mostly caused by noise, which means that only the dominant peaks should be used for statistical analyses or comparisons with synthetic spectra. On the other hand, in the Mg II k and h profiles, the key role in the distinction between the multi-peaked profiles with low peaks and the profiles with deep reversals is played by the dynamics of multiple fine structures located along a line of sight. The complex, multi-peaked profiles are observed in places where multiple fine structures with different line-of-sight velocities are crossing the line of sight, while the profiles with deep reversals likely correspond to instances when we observe single fine structures or more fine structures but with similar line-of-sight velocities. Conclusions. This study allows us to conclude that if we are interested in the diagnostics of the dynamics of prominence fine structures, the best approach is to use a combination of profile asymmetry in the Lyman lines together with the complex profiles of Mg II k and h lines. On the other hand, if we want to diagnose the temperature and pressure properties of individual prominence fine structures, we need to focus on the deeply reversed Mg II k and h lines in combination with the Lyman lines and to analyze the depth of the central reversal and the integrated intensities.

Prominence fine structures in weakly twisted and highly twisted magnetic flux ropes

Context. Many prominences are supported by magnetic flux ropes. One important question is how we can determine whether the flux rope is weakly twisted or highly twisted. Aims. In this paper, we attempt to decipher whether prominences supported by weakly twisted and highly twisted flux ropes can manifest different features so that we might distinguish the two types of magnetic structures based on their appearance. Methods. We performed pseudo three-dimensional simulations of two magnetic flux ropes with different twists. Results. We find that the resulting two prominences differ in many aspects. The prominence supported by a weakly twisted flux rope is composed mainly of transient threads (∼82.8%), forming high-speed flows inside the prominence, and its horns are evident. Conversely, the prominence supported by a highly twisted flux rope consists mainly of stable quasi-stationary threads (∼60.6%), including longer independently trapped threads and shorter magnetically connected threads. Our simulations also reveal that the prominence spine deviates from the flux rope axis in the vertical direction and from the photospheric polarity inversion line projected on the solar surface, especially for the weakly twisted magnetic flux rope. Conclusions. The two types of prominences differ significantly in appearance. Our results also suggest that a piling-up of short threads in highly twisted flux ropes might account for the vertical-like threads in some prominences.

Prominence observations with ALMA

This review comes at the time when ALMA successfully obtained the first regular observations of both a prominence and a filament. These observations have a spatial resolution of 1-2 arcsec, far better than previous prominence observations in the mm/sub-mm radio domain. The achieved resolution is compatible with the cotemporal ground-based coronagraphic observations in the hydrogen Hαline that accompany the ALMA Band 3 prominence observations. A core part of this review is the description and analysis of these pioneering ALMA observations of a quiescent prominence, focusing on various physical and geometrical properties of the observed prominence fine structures. We also summarize the basic physical processes behind the formation of mm/sub-mm continua under prominence conditions and describe the plasma diagnostics potential of ALMA solar observations. Finally, we discuss future prospects of ALMA prominence observations and the value of coordinated optical and UV spectra and images.

Large Impact of the Mg ii h and k Incident Radiation Change on Results of Radiative Transfer Models and the Importance of Dynamics

We demonstrate that changes in the incident radiation in Mg ii h and k lines have a significant impact on the results of radiative transfer modeling of prominence-like plasmas. To uncover the extent of this impact and allow easy comparison, here we study two cases, one representing the minimum of the solar activity and the other corresponding to the typical conditions during solar maxima. To represent well the properties of the prominence plasma, we use the 2D non-LTE (i.e., departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium) model of prominence fine structures in both the single-thread configuration and the multithread configuration incorporating prominence dynamics. We show that in the modeled environment of prominence fine structures, the change in the central, integrated, and peak intensities of the synthetic Mg ii h and k profiles can be as large as the change in the incident radiation itself. This means that the Mg ii h and k spectra of observed prominences can be affected by tens of percent because the illumination from the solar disk can change by such a degree over the solar cycle. That makes the knowledge and use of event-specific incident radiation data very important for the diagnostics of prominences and other chromospheric and coronal structures when using Mg ii h and k spectral observations. In addition, the observed Mg ii h and k spectra are strongly influenced by the line-of-sight dynamics, as the multithread configuration of the 2D model allows us to reveal. The effect of dynamics is, unsurprisingly, most pronounced in the line widths and integrated intensities.

Quiet-Sun hydrogen Lyman-α line profile derived from SOHO/SUMER solar-disk observations

Context. The solar radiation in the Lyman-α spectral line of hydrogen plays a significant role in the illumination of chromospheric and coronal structures, such as prominences, spicules, chromospheric fibrils, cores of coronal mass ejections, and solar wind. Moreover, it is important for the investigation of the heliosphere, Earth’s ionosphere, and the atmospheres of planets, moons, and comets. Aims. We derive a reference quiet-Sun Lyman-α spectral profile that is representative of the Lyman-α radiation from the solar disk during a minimum of solar activity. This profile can serve as an incident radiation boundary condition for the radiative transfer modelling of chromospheric and coronal structures. Because the solar radiation in the Lyman lines is not constant over time but varies significantly with the solar cycle, we provide a method for the adaptation of the incident radiation Lyman line profiles (Lyman-α and higher lines) to a specific date. Moreover, we analyse how the change in the incident radiation influences the synthetic spectra produced by the radiative transfer modelling. Methods. We used SOHO/SUMER Lyman-α raster scans obtained without the use of the attenuator in various quiet-Sun regions on the solar disk. The observations were performed on three consecutive days (June 24, 25, and 26, 2008) during a period of minimum solar activity. The reference Lyman-α profile was obtained as a spatial average over eight available raster scans. To take into account the Lyman-α variation with the solar cycle, we used the LISIRD composite Lyman-α index. To estimate the influence of the change in the incident radiation in the Lyman lines on the results of radiative transfer models, we used a 2D prominence fine structure model. Results. We present the reference quiet-Sun Lyman-α profile and a table of coefficients describing the variation of the Lyman lines with the solar cycle throughout the lifetime of SOHO. The analysis of the influence of the change in the incident radiation shows that the synthetic spectra are strongly affected by the modification of the incident radiation boundary condition. The most pronounced impact is on the central and integrated intensities of the Lyman lines. There, the change in the synthetic spectra can often have the same amplitude as the change in the incident radiation itself. The impact on the specific intensities in the peaks of reversed Lyman-line profiles is smaller but still significant. The hydrogen Hα line can also be considerably affected, despite the fact that the Hα radiation from the solar disk does not vary with the solar cycle.

The influence of Hinode/SOT NFI instrumental effects on the visibility of simulated prominence fine structures in Hα

Context. Models of entire prominences with their numerous fine structures distributed within the prominence magnetic field use approximate radiative transfer techniques to visualize the simulated prominences. However, to accurately compare synthetic images of prominences obtained in this way with observations and to precisely analyze the visibility of even the faintest prominence features, it is important to take into account the influence of instrumental properties on the synthetic spectra and images. Aims. In the present work, we investigate how synthetic Hα images of simulated prominences are impacted by the instrumental effects induced by the Narrowband Filter Imager (NFI) of the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) onboard the Hinode satellite. Methods. To process the synthetic Hα images provided by 3D Whole-Prominence Fine Structure (WPFS) models into SOT-like synthetic Hα images, we take into account the effects of the integration over the theoretical narrow-band transmission profile of NFI Lyot filter, the influence of the stray-light and point spread function (PSF) of Hinode/SOT, and the observed noise level. This allows us to compare the visibility of the prominence fine structures in the SOT-like synthetic Hα images with the synthetic Hα line-center images used by the 3D models and with a pair of Hinode/SOT NFI observations of quiescent prominences. Results. The comparison between the SOT-like synthetic Hα images and the synthetic Hα line-center images shows that all large and small-scale features are very similar in both visualizations and that the same very faint prominence fine structures can be discerned in both. This demonstrates that the computationally efficient Hα line-center visualization technique can be reliably used for the purpose of visualization of complex 3D prominence models. In addition, the qualitative comparison between the SOT-like synthetic images and prominence observations shows that the 3D WPFS models can reproduce large-scale prominence features rather well. However, the distribution of the prominence fine structures is significantly more diffuse in the observations than in the models and the diffuse intensity areas surrounding the observed prominences are also not present in the synthetic images. We also found that the maximum intensities reached in the models are about twice as high as those present in the observations–an indication that the mass-loading assumed in the present 3D WPFS models might be too large.

Inference of magnetic field strength and density from damped transverse coronal waves

A classic application of coronal seismology uses transverse oscillations of waveguides to obtain estimates of the magnetic field strength. The procedure requires information on the density of the structures. Often it ignores the damping of the oscillations. We computed marginal posteriors for parameters such as the waveguide density, the density contrast, the transverse inhomogeneity length scale, and the magnetic field strength under the assumption that the oscillations can be modelled as standing magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) kink modes damped by resonant absorption. Our results show that the magnetic field strength can be properly inferred, even if the densities inside and outside the structure are largely unknown. Incorporating observational estimates of plasma density further constrains the obtained posteriors. The amount of information that is included a priori for the density and the density contrast influences their corresponding posteriors, but very little the inferred magnetic field strength. The decision to include or leave out the information on the damping and the damping timescales has a minimal impact on the obtained magnetic field strength. In contrast to the classic method, which provides numerical estimates with error bars or possible ranges of variation for the magnetic field strength, Bayesian methods offer the full distribution of plausibility over the considered range of possible values. The methods applied to available datasets of observed transverse loop oscillations can be extended to prominence fine structures or chromospheric spicules, and implemented to propagating waves in addition to standing oscillations.

Thermal stability of magnetohydrodynamic modes in homogeneous plasmas

Context. Thermal instabilities give rise to condensations in the solar corona, and are the most probable scenario for coronal rain and prominence formation. We revisit the original theoretical treatment done by Field (1965, ApJ, 142, 531) in a homogeneous plasma with heat-loss effects and combine this with state-of-the-art numerical simulations to verify growth-rate predictions and address the long-term non-linear regime. We especially investigate interaction between multiple magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave modes and how they in turn trigger thermal mode development. Aims. We assess how well the numerical MHD simulations retrieve the analytically predicted growth rates. We complete the original theory with quantifications of the eigenfunctions, calculated to consistently excite each wave mode. Thermal growth rates are fitted also in the non-linear regime of multiple wave–wave interaction setups, at the onset of thermal instability formation. Methods. We performed 2D numerical MHD simulations, including an additional (radiative) heat-loss term and a constant heating term to the energy equation. We mainly focus on the thermal (i.e. entropy) and slow MHD wave modes and use the wave amplitude as a function of time to make a comparison to predicted growth rates. Results. It is shown that the numerical MHD simulations retrieve analytically predicted growth rates for all modes, of thermal and slow or fast MHD type. In typical coronal conditions, the latter are damped due to radiative losses, but their interaction can cause slowly changing equilibrium conditions which ultimately trigger thermal mode development. Even in these non-linear wave-wave interaction setups, the growth rate of the thermal instability agrees with the exponential profile predicted by linear theory. The non-linear evolutions show systematic field-guided motions of condensations with fairly complex morphologies, resulting from thermal modes excited through damped slow MHD waves. These results are of direct interest to the study of solar coronal rain and prominence fine structure. Our wave–wave interaction setups are relevant for coronal loop sections which are known to host slow wave modes, and hence provide a new route to explain the sudden onset of coronal condensation.

Importance of the Hα Visibility and Projection Effects for the Interpretation of Prominence Fine-structure Observations

Abstract We construct a new 3D Whole-prominence Fine-structure (WPFS) model based on a prominence magnetic field configuration designed to qualitatively approximate the morphology of a quiescent prominence observed on 2010 June 22. The model represents an entire prominence with its numerous fine structures formed by a prominence plasma located in dips in the prominence magnetic field. We use the constructed 3D model and employ a radiative-transfer-based Hα visualization method to analyze the Hα visibility of prominence fine structures and its effect on the perceived morphology of observed and modeled prominences. We qualitatively compare three techniques used for visualization of modeled prominences—visualizations drawing magnetic dips up to a height of 1 pressure scale height, drawing the full extent of magnetic dips, and the synthetic Hα visualization—and discuss their suitability for direct comparison between models and observations of prominences and filaments. We also discuss the role of visibility of the prominence fine structures in the estimation of the total height of prominences, which may indicate the height of pre-erupting flux ropes. This parameter is critical for the observational determination of the flux-rope stability. In addition, we employ the WPFS model to assess the effects caused by a projection of the naturally three-dimensional and heterogeneous prominences onto a two-dimensional plane of the sky. We discuss here how the morphological structures of prominences differ when observed in projections from different viewing angles. We also discuss the shapes of the dipped magnetic field lines and the perceived projection of motions of prominence fine structures along such field lines.

On the Dynamic Nature of a Quiescent Prominence Observed by IRIS and MSDP Spectrographs

Abstract Quiescent solar prominences are generally considered to have a stable large-scale structure. However, they consist of multiple small-scale structures that are often significantly dynamic. To understand the nature of prominence plasma dynamics we use the high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution observations obtained by Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) during a coordinated campaign with the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass spectrograph at the Meudon Solar Tower. Detailed analysis of the IRIS observations of Mg ii lines, including the analysis of Dopplershift and line width obtained with two different methods (quantile method and Gaussian-fit method) are discussed in the frame of the dynamic nature of the structures. Large-scale coherent blueshift and redshift features are observed in Mg ii lines and Hα exhibiting a slow evolution during 1:40 hr of observations. We explain the presence of several significantly asymmetric peaks in the observed Mg ii line profiles by the presence of several prominence fine structures moving with different velocities located along the line of sight (LOS). In such a case, the decrease of the intensity of individual components of the observed spectra with the distance from the central wavelength can be explained by the Doppler dimming effect. We show that C ii line profiles may be used to confirm the existence of multi-components along the LOS.

Dissipative instability in a partially ionised prominence plasma slab

We investigate the nature of dissipative instability appearing in a prominence planar thread filled with partially ionised plasma in the incompressible limit. The importance of partial ionisation is investigated in terms of the ionisation factor and wavelength of waves propagating in the slab. To highlight the role of partial ionisation, we have constructed models describing various situations we can meet in solar prominence fine structure. Matching the solutions for the transversal component of the velocity and total pressure at the interfaces between the prominence slab and surrounding plasmas, we derived a dispersion relation whose imaginary part describes the evolution of the instability. Results are obtained in the limit of weak dissipation. We have investigated the appearance of instabilities in prominence dark plumes using single and two-fluid approximations. We show that dissipative instabilities appear for flow speeds that are less than the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability threshold. The onset of instability is determined by the equilibrium flow strength, the ionisation factor of the plasma, the wavelength of waves and the ion-neutral collisional rate. For a given wavelength and for ionisation degrees closer to a neutral gas, the propagating waves become unstable for a narrow band of flow speeds, meaning that neutrals have a stabilising effect. Our results show that the partially ionised plasma describing prominence dark plumes becomes unstable only in a two-fluid (charged particles-neutrals) model, that is for periods that are smaller than the ion-neutral collision time. The present study improves our understanding of stability of solar prominences and the role of partial ionisation in destabilising the plasma. We show the necessity of two-fluid approximation when discussing the nature of instabilities: waves in a single fluid approximation show a great deal of stability.

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.

On the Visibility of Prominence Fine Structures at Radio Millimeter Wavelengths

Prominence temperatures have so far mainly been determined by analyzing spectral line shapes, which is difficult when the spectral lines are optically thick. The radio spectra in the millimeter range offer a unique possibility to measure the kinetic temperature. However, studies in the past used data with insufficient spatial resolution to resolve the prominence fine structures. The aim of this article is to predict the visibility of prominence fine structures in the submillimeter/millimeter (SMM) domain, to estimate their brightness temperatures at various wavelengths, and to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of future high-resolution radio observations of solar prominences with ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array). Our novel approach is the conversion of H\(\upalpha\) coronagraphic images into microwave spectral images. We show that the spatial variations of the prominence brightness both in the H\(\upalpha\) line and in the SMM domain predominantly depend on the line-of-sight emission measure of the cool plasma, which we derive from the integrated intensities of the observed H\(\upalpha\) line. This relation also offers a new possibility to determine the SMM optical thickness from simultaneous H\(\upalpha\) observations with high resolution. We also describe how we determine the prominence kinetic temperature from SMM spectral images. Finally, we apply the ALMA image-processing software Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) to our simulated images to assess what ALMA would detect at a resolution level that is similar to the coronagraphic H\(\upalpha\) images used in this study. Our results can thus help in preparations of first ALMA prominence observations in the frame of science and technical verification tests.

Model comparison for the density structure along solar prominence threads

Quiescent solar prominence fine structures are typically modelled as density enhancements, called threads, which occupy a fraction of a longer magnetic flux tube. The profile of the mass density along the magnetic field is however unknown and several arbitrary alternatives are employed in prominence wave studies. We present a comparison of theoretical models for the field-aligned density along prominence fine structures. We consider Lorentzian, Gaussian, and parabolic profiles. We compare their theoretical predictions for the period ratio between the fundamental transverse kink mode and the first overtone to obtain estimates for the ratio of densities between the central part of the tube and its foot-points and to assess which one would better explain observed period ratio data. Bayesian parameter inference and model comparison techniques are developed and applied. Parameter inference requires the computation of the posterior distribution for the density gradient parameter conditional on the observable period ratio. Model comparison involves the computation of the marginal likelihood as a function of the period ratio to obtain the plausibility of each density model and the computation of Bayes Factors to quantify the relative evidence for each model, given a period ratio observation. A Lorentzian density profile, with plasma density concentrated around the centre of the tube seems to offer the most plausible inversion result. A Gaussian profile would require unrealistically large values of the density gradient parameter and a parabolic density distribution does not enable us to obtain well constrained posterior probability distributions. However, our model comparison results indicate that the evidence points to the Gaussian and parabolic profiles for period ratios in between 2 and 3, while the Lorentzian profile is preferred for larger period ratio values.

Non-LTE modelling of prominence fine structures using hydrogen Lyman-line profiles

Aims. We perform a detailed statistical analysis of the spectral Lyman-line observations of the quiescent prominence observed on May 18, 2005.

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.

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.

Vanessa Gibson, Worcestershire

Independent NurseVol. 2013, No. 14 Professional WorkplaceVanessa Gibson, WorcestershireVanessa GibsonVanessa GibsonSearch for more papers by this authorVanessa GibsonPublished Online:28 Sep 2013https://doi.org/10.12968/indn.2013.14.37AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byDevelopment of lysophosphatidic acid pathway modulators as therapies for fibrosisFuture Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 5, No. 16Solar Prominence Fine Structure and Dynamics6 January 2014 | Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Vol. 8, No. S300 2 September 2013Volume 2013Issue 14ISSN (print): 1747-9800ISSN (online): 2052-2843 Metrics History Published online 28 September 2013 Published in print 2 September 2013 Information© MA Healthcare LtdPDF download

Puzzling nature of the fine structure of quiescent prominences and filaments

Even after more than 160 years of observations and modelling of solar prominences their true nature contains many open questions. In this work we argue that current 2D prominence fine structure models can help us to understand the puzzling connection between quasi-vertical fine structures often seen in quiescent prominences observed on the solar limb and horizontally aligned dark fibrils representing the fine structures of prominences observed in absorption against the solar disk (filaments).