Prominences

Definition

Prominences are large, bright features extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape. They are made of cooler plasma compared to the surrounding corona and are anchored to the Sun's photosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prominences can last for several days to weeks and sometimes even months.
2. They are formed in regions of strong magnetic fields and can be associated with sunspots.
3. When viewed against the bright solar disk, prominences appear as dark filaments.
4. Prominences can erupt and release large amounts of solar material into space, potentially causing space weather effects on Earth.
5. The temperature of the plasma in prominences is typically around 10,000 Kelvin, much cooler than the corona.

Review Questions

• What is the typical shape of a solar prominence?
• How do prominences appear when viewed against the bright solar disk?
• What can happen when a prominence erupts?

Related terms

Sunspots:

Dark areas on the Sun's surface caused by concentrations of magnetic field flux that inhibit convection.

Solar Flares:

Sudden eruptions of energy on the solar surface that release vast amounts of radiation.

Corona:

The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, characterized by high temperatures and low densities.