Year: 1997
Type: article
Abstract: We propose a model for solar prominences based on converging flow observed in the chromosphere and photosphere. In contrast with existing models, we do not apply a shearing motion along the neutral line. Instead, we assume that bipolar loops approaching on different sides of the neutral line have a nonvanishing magnetic helicity of the same sign. In the converging flow the individual loops kink and develop a skew. For loops of the same helicity the skew is in the same sense. As a result the "chiral" symmetry of an aligned distribution of loops is broken, and the reconnecting loop system forms a filament with the observed magnetic orientation and anchoring of the barbs in regions of parasitic polarity. The filament consists of a number of individual strands of coaxial coronal electric currents, each of which is current neutralized. The filament material is suspended in dips in the magnetic field, and the transverse field direction coincides with that in the Kuperus-Raadu model. Above the filament a cavity forms with an overlying arcade consisting of the outer portions of the reconnected loops.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/316785
Author: Jan Kuijpers
Institution: Utrecht University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2123054068