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The fine structure of prominences

I: Observations — Hα filtergrams

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Abstract

The fine structure of nonspot prominences are studied from Hα filtergrams. The size of the smallest prominence structures increases with height above the chromosphere. Some prominences contain structures close to 1/2 arc second, which is the spatial resolution in the present data. The effective thickness of many nonspot prominences ranges between 4 × 107 cm and 1.5 × 108 cm. An apparent downward directed motion is observed in the majority of the prominences. No preferred direction of the motion is seen in regions composed of comparatively large diffuse structures. Some bright threads are visible for 1 hr and longer. Bright knots have an average observed lifetime of about 8 min. The process of condensation and subsequent destruction of prominence fine structure appears to take place on a very short time scale compared to the life time of the regions where prominences may exist. The observed Hα brightness of the prominences in the present data may be accounted for as scattered chromospheric radiation.

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Author notes

  1. Oddbjørn Engvold

    Present address: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, Norway

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sacramento Peak Observatory, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Sunspot, New Mexico, U.S.A.

    Oddbjørn Engvold

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  1. Oddbjørn Engvold
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Engvold, O. The fine structure of prominences. Sol Phys 49, 283–295 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00162453

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00162453

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