Solar Prominence Diagnostics

Abstract

AbstractThis paper reviews the diagnostic techniques currently used to establish estimates of the physical properties of prominences. Most often the fine structure of prominences cannot be resolved. Because of this and the complex structures and the varied forms of prominences, it is difficult to establish definitive values for temperature, density, magnetic field, electric field, differential emission measure, mass flows, etc. Nevertheless, there are many useful techniques ranging from spectroscopic analysis to measurements of prominence oscillations. Most of the major techniques are reviewed in this paper, with examples of the results and an extensive bibliography. Special attention is paid to the potential diagnostic value of optically thick lines. Suggestions are made for further progress based on SOHO and other observations.