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On the Physical Nature of the So-Called Prominence TornadoesThe term ‘tornado’ has been used in recent years to describe several solar phenomena, from large-scale eruptive prominences to small-scale photospheric vortices. It has also been applied to the generally stable quiescent prominences, sparking a renewed interest in what historically was called ‘prominence tornadoes’. This paper carries out an in-depth review of the physical nature of ‘prominence tornadoes’, where their name subconsciously makes us think of violent rotational dynamics. However, after careful consideration and analysis of the published observational data and theoretical models, we conclude that ‘prominence tornadoes’ do not differ in any substantial way from other stable solar prominences. There is simply no unequivocal observational evidence of sustained and coherent rotational movements in quiescent prominences that would justify a distinct category of prominences sharing the name with the well-known atmospheric phenomenon. The visual impression of the column-like silhouettes, the perceived helical motions, or the suggestive Doppler-shift patterns all have a simpler, more likely explanation. They are a consequence of projection effects combined with the presence of oscillations and/or counter-streaming flows. ‘Prominence tornadoes’ are thus just manifestations of the complex nature of solar prominences when observed in specific projections. These coincidental viewing angles, together with the presence of fine-structure dynamics and simple yet profoundly distorting projection effects, may sometimes play havoc with our intuitive understanding of perceived shapes and motions, leading to the incorrect analogy with atmospheric tornadoes.
Document ID
20230008136
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Stanislav Gunar ORCID
(Czech Academy of Sciences Prague, Czechia)
Nicolas Labrosse ORCID
(University of Glasgow Glasgow, United Kingdom)
Manuel Luna ORCID
(Fundació Universitat-Empresa de les Illes Balears Palma, Spain)
Brigitte Schmieder
(Laboratory of Space Studies and Instrumentation in Astrophysics Meudon, France)
Petr Heinzel ORCID
(Czech Academy of Sciences Prague, Czechia)
Therese A. Kucera ORCID
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, United States)
Peter J. Levens
(University of Glasgow Glasgow, United Kingdom)
Arturo Lopez Ariste
(University of Toulouse II - Le Mirail Toulouse, France)
Duncan H. Mackay
(University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom)
Maciej Zapior ORCID
(Czech Academy of Sciences Prague, Czechia)
Date Acquired
May 24, 2023
Publication Date
May 24, 2023
Publication Information
Publication: Space Science Reviews
Publisher: Springer
Issue: 4
Issue Publication Date: June 1, 2023
Subject Category
Meteorology and Climatology
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 791926.02.06.01.11.03
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
Technical Review
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