Extended massive current sheet in a two-dimensional constant-alpha force-free field - A model for quiescent prominences
Abstract
We consider a simple 2D analytical model of a solar prominence represented by a massive current sheet supported in a uniform gravitational field by an external constant-alpha force-free magnetic field. We show that it is possible to construct so-called inverse configurations above either bipolar or quadrupolar photospheric regions by a suitable adjustment of the free parameters of the model, namely the boundary flux distribution, the current in the sheet, and the value of alpha. It turns out that such configurations may exist only for large value of alpha, and thus in highly sheared magnetic fields, a result which should prove important for our understanding of the formation of the prominences of the Kuperus-Raadu type.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- November 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992A&A...265..791A
- Keywords:
-
- Current Sheets;
- Force-Free Magnetic Fields;
- Gravitational Fields;
- Solar Prominences;
- Two Dimensional Models;
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Solar Corona;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Topology;
- Solar Physics