Break up of returning plasma after the 7 June 2011 filament eruption by Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities

Innes, D.E., Cameron, R.H., Fletcher, L. , Inhester, B. and Solanki, S.K. (2012) Break up of returning plasma after the 7 June 2011 filament eruption by Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 540, L10. (doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/201118530)

Abstract

Context. A prominence eruption on 7 June 2011 produced spectacular curtains of plasma falling through the lower corona. At the solar surface they created an incredible display of extreme ultraviolet brightenings.<p></p> Aims. To identify and analyze some of the local instabilities which produce structure in the falling plasma.<p></p> Methods. The structures were investigated using SDO/AIA 171 Å and 193 Å images in which the falling plasma appeared dark against the bright coronal emission.<p></p> Results. Several instances of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability were investigated. In two cases the Alfvén velocity associated with the dense plasma could be estimated from the separation of the Rayleigh-Taylor fingers. A second type of feature, which has the appearance of self-similar branching horns was discussed.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fletcher, Professor Lyndsay
• Authors: Innes, D.E., Cameron, R.H., Fletcher, L., Inhester, B., and Solanki, S.K.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Publisher: EDP Sciences
• ISSN: 0004-6361
• ISSN (Online): 1432-0746