A MODEL FOR POLAR-CROWN PROMINENCES

The equilibrium and magnetic field structure of a quiescent polar-crow n prominence is considered in this model. An evolution is considered i n which a bipolar region of photospheric flux approaches and interacts with the open polar field to produce a location of dipped magnetic fi eld lines in the corona. It is suggested that prominence formation may occur here, either by a flow of chromospheric plasma along the field or by means of the reconnected, rising field lines which transport den se material into the required location. A fully developed prominence s olution is then presented in which a weighted, curved current sheet is supported by the Lorentz forces of the field and a simple two-dimensi onal solution for the interior of the prominence is given.