Physics of solar prominences: I - spectral diagnostics and non-LTE modelling

Labrosse, N., Heinzel, P., Vial, J.-C., Kucera, T., Parenti, S., Gunar, S., Schmieder, B. and Kilper, G. (2010) Physics of solar prominences: I - spectral diagnostics and non-LTE modelling. Space Science Reviews, 151(4), pp. 243-332. (doi: 10.1007/s11214-010-9630-6)

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Abstract

This review paper outlines background information and covers recent advances made via the analysis of spectra and images of prominence plasma and the increased sophistication of non-LTE (ie when there is a departure from Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium) radiative transfer models. We first describe the spectral inversion techniques that have been used to infer the plasma parameters important for the general properties of the prominence plasma in both its cool core and the hotter prominence-corona transition region. We also review studies devoted to the observation of bulk motions of the prominence plasma and to the determination of prominence mass. However, a simple inversion of spectroscopic data usually fails when the lines become optically thick at certain wavelengths. Therefore, complex non-LTE models become necessary. We thus present the basics of non-LTE radiative transfer theory and the associated multi-level radiative transfer problems. The main results of one- and two-dimensional models of the prominences and their fine-structures are presented. We then discuss the energy balance in various prominence models. Finally, we outline the outstanding observational and theoretical questions, and the directions for future progress in our understanding of solar prominences.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Labrosse, Dr Nicolas
Authors: Labrosse, N., Heinzel, P., Vial, J.-C., Kucera, T., Parenti, S., Gunar, S., Schmieder, B., and Kilper, G.
Subjects:Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Space Science Reviews
ISSN:0038-6308
ISSN (Online):1572-9672
Published Online:20 February 2010

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
465931Solar, stellar and cosmological plasmas: a synthesis of data, modelling and theory.Declan DiverScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/F002149/1Physics and Astronomy