quiescent solar prominence

astronomy

Also known as: long-lived solar prominence, quiescent prominence(Show More)

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July 13, 2026

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A quiescent solar prominence is a long-lived, dense cloud of ionized gas that extends from the Sun's chromosphere into its corona. These phenomena are supported by magnetic fields, which prevent the plasma from falling back to the Sun due to gravity.12

Quiescent prominences are associated with large-scale magnetic fields and can persist for days or even months, though they are not permanent. They can appear in various forms, such as suspended clouds or sheets. While they may eventually fade or erupt, new ones can form along magnetic boundaries. These prominences absorb radiation from below and scatter it, appearing dark against the Sun's disk (as filaments) or bright pink during a total solar eclipse. Their temperatures range from 5,000 to 50,000 K.12

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solar prominence
…two main types, active and quiescent. Active prominences erupt quickly and have lifetimes lasting from several minutes to a few hours. They are associated with sunspot groups and, like these, are correlated in numbers and activity with the solar cycle. Quiescent prominences tend to emerge smoothly and subside much more…
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…two main types, active and quiescent. Active prominences erupt quickly and have lifetimes lasting from several minutes to a few hours. They are associated with sunspot groups and, like these, are correlated in numbers and activity with the solar cycle. Quiescent prominences tend to emerge smoothly and subside much more…
Read More