A SOLAR PROMINENCE MODEL

We propose a model for solar prominences based on converging flow obse rved in the chromosphere and photosphere. In contrast with existing mo dels, we do not apply a shearing motion along the neutral line. Instea d, we assume that bipolar loops approaching on different sides of the neutral Line have a nonvanishing magnetic helicity of the same sign. I n the converging flow the individual loops kink and develop a skew. Fo r loops of the same helicity the skew is in the same sense. As a resul t the ''chiral'' symmetry of an aligned distribution of loops is broke n, and the reconnecting loop system forms a filament with the observed magnetic orientation and anchoring of the barbs in regions of parasit ic polarity. The filament consists of a number of individual strands o f coaxial coronal electric currents, each of which is current neutrali zed. The filament material is suspended in dips in the magnetic field, and the transverse field direction coincides with that in the Kuperus -Raadu model. Above the filament a cavity forms with an overlying arca de consisting of the outer portions of the reconnected loops.