Gravitational Ballooning Instability of Prominences
Abstract
Prominences can be unstable to a gravitational ballooning instability of the Rayleigh-Taylor type. A two-dimensional generalized Kippenhahn-Schlüter prominence equilibrium is constructed. Its stability to ideal, three-dimensional, short-wavelength line-tied perturbations is analyzed. The instability requires a critical vertical density gradient. For a given magnetic field strength, the instability is sensitive to the angle at which the magnetic field lines cross the prominence. An approximate, sufficient, threshold condition is consistent with typical prominence parameters.
- Publication:
-
Solar Physics
- Pub Date:
- January 1994
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00645178
- Bibcode:
- 1994SoPh..149...63S
- Keywords:
-
- Ballooning Modes;
- Gravitational Effects;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Solar Prominences;
- Stellar Models;
- Taylor Instability;
- Density Distribution;
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Magnetohydrodynamics;
- Perturbation;
- Plasma Equilibrium;
- Stellar Magnetospheres;
- Solar Physics;
- Magnetic Field;
- Field Strength;
- Density Gradient;
- Field Line;
- Magnetic Field Strength