Physical properties of the quiescent prominence of 5June 1996, from Hα observations
Schmieder, B.; Roudier, Th.; Malherbe, J. -M.; Li, Kejun; Wiik, J. -E.
France, Norway
Abstract
The Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass spectrograph (MSDP) is designed to observe line profiles in a 2D field of view with a good spatial and temporal resolution. In order to deal with this unique opportunity, we introduce a new method for fitting the hydrogen Hα line formed in prominences and deriving various plasma parameters from line profile observations. A quiescent prominence was observed on 5June 1996, at the Pic du Midi during an international campaign between 09:30UT and 11:00UT with the MSDP spectrograph operating in Hα at the Turret Dome. Using the new fitting method, we show that the temperature, column density of hydrogen atoms and microturbulent velocity of the prominence are respectively about 8500K, 1.4x1012cm-2, and 10 to 20kms-1. The electron density of the prominence is about 1.8x1010cm-3.