Abstract
Ions falling in vertically aligned magnetic structures of quiescent prominences may experience a vertical Lorentz force as flux ropes are distorted from the force-free condition. The terminal velocity of such ions may be sub-Alfvénic and may correspond to the 5–15 km s−1 velocity of down falling material observed in many quiescent prominences. The higher velocities of down falling material found in active prominences and coronal rain may occur because of higher terminal velocities occurring in stronger magnetic fields.
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References
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Visiting Astronomer, on leave from the Department of Astro-Geophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309.
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McKim Malville, J. The fine structure of prominences. Sol Phys 50, 79–83 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206192
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206192