Prominences on the Limb: Diagnostics with UV EUV Lines and the Soft X-Ray Continuum

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the two mechanisms by which solar prominences on the limb can manifest themselves when observed in coronal UV - EUV lines and in the soft X-ray continuum. These mechanisms are the absorption in the resonance continua of hydrogen and helium on one hand and the reduction of the emissivity in a part of the coronal volume occupied by a prominence on the other one. We briefly describe earlier observations made with SOHO/SUMER, EIT and Yohkoh/SXT. We then discuss how the instruments on the new Japanese satellite Hinode can be used for more detailed studies of prominences. We also propose some combined observations between the Hinode satellite and the SOHO/SUMER instrument.