Investigation of Solar Eruptive Prominences
Abstract
At first, we will present an investigation of the polar crown prominence that erupted on 2012 March 12. This prominence is observed at the southeast limb by SDO/AIA (end-on view) and displays a quasi vertical-thread structure. Bright U-shape (horn-like) structure is observed surrounding the upper portion of the prominence (171 Angstrom) before the eruption and becomes more prominent during the eruption. When viewed on the disk, STEREO-B shows that this long prominence is composed of a series of vertical threads and displays a half loop-like structure during the eruption. We focus on the magnetic support of the prominence by studying the structure and dynamics of the prominence before and during the eruption using observations from SDO and STEREO. We construct a series of magnetic field models (including sheared arcade model, twisted flux rope model, and model with HFT), then compare with observations. Various observational characteristics appear to support the twisted flux rope model. Our study suggests that the flux rope supporting the prominence enters the regime of torus instability at the onset of the fast rise phase, and signature of reconnection appears about one hour later. In the second part, we will present a statistical study on the kinematics of limb eruptive prominences observed by SDO/AIA. A brief introduction on an online catalog of prominence eruptions observed by SDO/AIA will also be presented.
- Publication:
-
IAU General Assembly
- Pub Date:
- August 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015IAUGA..2256101S