No Arabic abstract
Observational evidence shows that coronal jets can hit prominences and set them in motion. The impact leads to large-amplitude oscillations (LAOs) of the prominence. In this paper we attempt to understand this process via 2.5D MHD numerical experiments. In our model, the jets are generated in a sheared magnetic arcade above a parasitic bipolar region located in one of the footpoints of the filament channel (FC) supporting the prominence. The shear is imposed with velocities not far above observed photospheric values; it leads to a multiple reconnection process, as in previous jet models. Both a fast Alfvenic perturbation and a slower supersonic front preceding a plasma jet are issued from the reconnection site; in the later phase, a more violent (eruptive) jet is produced. The perturbation and jets run along the FC; they are partially reflected at the prominence and partially transmitted through it. There results a pattern of counter-streaming flows along the FC and oscillations of the prominence. The oscillations are LAOs (with amplitude above $10~mathrm{km, s^{-1}}$) in parts of the prominence both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. In some field lines, the impact is so strong that the prominence mass is brought out of the dip and down to the chromosphere along the FC. Two cases are studied with different heights of the arcade above the parasitic bipolar region, leading to different heights for the region of the prominence perturbed by the jets. The obtained oscillation amplitudes and periods are in general agreement with the observations.
An X5.4 class flare occurred in active region (AR) NOAA11429 on 2012 March 7. The flare was associated with very fast coronal mass ejection (CME) with its velocity of over 2500 km/s. In the images taken with STEREO-B/COR1, a dome-like disturbance was seen to detach from expanding CME bubble and propagated further. A Type-II radio burst was also observed at the same time. On the other hand, in EUV images obtained by SDO/AIA, expanding dome-like structure and its foot print propagating to the north were observed. The foot print propagated with its average speed of about 670 km/s and hit a prominence located at the north pole and activated it. While the activation, the prominence was strongly brightened. On the basis of some observational evidence, we concluded that the foot print in AIA images and the ones in COR1 images are the same, that is MHD fast mode shock front. With the help of a linear theory, the fast mode mach number of the coronal shock is estimated to be between 1.11 and 1.29 using the initial velocity of the activated prominence. Also, the plasma compression ratio of the shock is enhanced to be between 1.18 and 2.11 in the prominence material, which we consider to be the reason of the strong brightening of the activated prominence. The applicability of linear theory to the shock problem is tested with nonlinear MHD simulation.
Since the first reports of oscillations in prominences in 1930s there have been major theoretical and observational advances to understand the nature of these oscillatory phenomena leading to a whole new field of so called prominence seismology. There are two types of oscillatory phenomena observed in prominences; small amplitude oscillations (~2-3 km s$^{-1}$) which are quite common and large amplitude oscillations ($>$20 km s$^{-1}$) for which observations are scarce. Large amplitude oscillations have been found as winking filament in H$alpha$ as well as motion in the sky plane in H$alpha$, EUV, micro-wave and He 10830 observations. Historically, it was suggested that the large amplitude oscillations in prominences were triggered by disturbances such as fast-mode MHD waves (Moreton wave) produced by remote flares. Recent observations show, in addition, that near-by flares or jets can also create such large amplitude oscillations in prominences. Large amplitude oscillations, which are observed both in transverse as well as longitudinal direction, have a range of periods varying from tens of minutes to a couple of hours. Using the observed period of oscillation and simple theoretical models, the obtained magnetic field in prominences has shown quite a good agreement with directly measured one and therefore, justifies prominences seismology as a powerful diagnostic tool. On rare occasions, when the large amplitude oscillations have been observed before or during the eruption, the oscillations may be applied to diagnose the stability and the eruption mechanism. Here we review the recent developments and understanding in the observational properties of large amplitude oscillations and their trigger mechanisms and stability in the context of prominence seismology.
On 20 August 2010 an energetic disturbance triggered damped large-amplitude longitudinal (LAL) oscillations in almost an entire filament. In the present work we analyze this periodic motion in the filament to characterize the damping and restoring mechanism of the oscillation. Our method involves placing slits along the axis of the filament at different angles with respect to the spine of the filament, finding the angle at which the oscillation is clearest, and fitting the resulting oscillation pattern to decaying sinusoidal and Bessel functions. These functions represent the equations of motion of a pendulum damped by mass accretion. With this method we determine the period and the decaying time of the oscillation. Our preliminary results support the theory presented by Luna and Karpen (2012) that the restoring force of LAL oscillations is solar gravity in the tubes where the threads oscillate, and the damping mechanism is the ongoing accumulation of mass onto the oscillating threads. Following an earlier paper, we have determined the magnitude and radius of curvature of the dipped magnetic flux tubes hosting a thread along the filament, as well as the mass accretion rate of the filament threads, via the fitted parameters.
Context. Prominence oscillations have been mostly detected using Doppler velocity, although there are also claimed detections by means of periodic variations in half-width or line intensity. However, scarce observational evidence exists about simultaneous detection of oscillations in several spectral indicators. Aims. Our main aim here is to explore the relationship between spectral indicators, such as Doppler shift, line intensity, and line half-width, and the linear perturbations excited in a simple prominence model. Methods. Our equilibrium background model consists of a bounded, homogeneous slab, which is permeated by a transverse magnetic field, having prominence-like physical properties. Assuming linear perturbations, the dispersion relation for fast and slow modes has been derived, as well as the perturbations for the different physical quantities. These perturbations have been used as the input variables in a one-dimensional radiative transfer code, which calculates the full spectral profile of the hydrogen H-alpha and H-beta lines. Results. We have found that different oscillatory modes produce spectral indicator variations in different magnitudes. Detectable variations in the Doppler velocity were found for the fundamental slow mode only. Substantial variations in the H-beta line intensity were found for specific modes. Other modes lead to lower and even undetectable parameter variations. Conclusions. To perform prominence seismology, analysis of the H-alpha and H-beta spectral line parameters could be a good tool to detect and identify oscillatory modes.
On 20 August 2010 an energetic disturbance triggered large-amplitude longitudinal oscillations in a nearby filament. The triggering mechanism appears to be episodic jets connecting the energetic event with the filament threads. In the present work we analyze this periodic motion in a large fraction of the filament to characterize the underlying physics of the oscillation as well as the filament properties. The results support our previous theoretical conclusions that the restoring force of large-amplitude longitudinal oscillations is solar gravity, and the damping mechanism is the ongoing accumulation of mass onto the oscillating threads. Based on our previous work, we used the fitted parameters to determine the magnitude and radius of curvature of the dipped magnetic field along the filament, as well as the mass accretion rate onto the filament threads. These derived properties are nearly uniform along the filament, indicating a remarkable degree of cohesiveness throughout the filament channel. Moreover, the estimated mass accretion rate implies that the footpoint heating responsible for the thread formation, according to the thermal nonequilibrium model, agrees with previous coronal heating estimates. We estimate the magnitude of the energy released in the nearby event by studying the dynamic response of the filament threads, and discuss the implications of our study for filament structure and heating.