Investigation of the Physical Properties of Erupting Solar Prominences

摘要

The goal of this task was to determine the spectro-polarimetric properties of solar prominences leading to their activation and/or eruption into the interplanetary medium as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This is accomplished by measuring the velocity and three-dimensional magnetic field of prominences using a new instrument, the Prominence Magnetometer (ProMag). Supporting observations of the corona overlying the prominences are obtained with an existing coronal photometer and incorporated into the analysis. This unique database will be used to study the structure and evolution of prominences, including their intimate interaction with the magnetic fields responsible for their support in the solar corona, until such time as they may erupt. The anticipated future result is the ability to predict the eruption of individual prominences and the following CMEs from the observable characteristics of the prominences. We have accomplished the successful construction, installation at the proposed research site, verification of the design concept and initial observations.