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| Paper: |
Hinode/SOT Observations of Quiescent Prominence Dynamics |
| Volume: |
415, The Second Hinode Science Meeting: Beyond Discovery-Toward Understanding |
| Page: |
109 |
| Authors: |
Berger T. |
| Abstract: |
Hinode/SOT observations of quiescent, or “Quiet Sun,” prominences (QSPs) have confirmed and extended several dynamic characteristics known from previous ground-based observations: filamentary downflow streams, large-scale vortex flows, long-period body oscillations, and counter-streaming flows have been seen in most QSPs to date. Beyond these known characteristics, we have discovered completely new dynamics in QSPs, primary among which are large-scale (up to 50 Mm diameter) “bubbles” that inflate below prominences, as well as dark turbulent plume upflows that intermittently traverse them to heights of 15 Mm or more above the chromospheric spicules. Here we briefly review the prominence dynamics seen in the SOT dataset and provide quantitative measures of some of their characteristics. In general we conclude that there is no such thing as a static prominence—all quiescent prominences are in constant motion, primarily in downflow streams along apparently vertical streamlines. The constant draining motion implies that there is no need for “suspension against gravity” of the prominence gas. Fully 3-D dynamic models that take into account non-steady prominence mass transport are required to advance our understanding of these enigmatic objects. |
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