The Polarimetry of Нα-prominences

Abstract

A brief comparative analysis determining the magnetic field in optical and radio range prominences is presented; a tendency to increase averaged magnetic fields two to four times in quiescent and active prominences, compared to previously accepted values, is noted. The possibility of indirect data on electric currents in the Hα-prominence from measurements of linear polarization during the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 was shown. The 2D sign distributions of a linear polarization angle, interpreted within the Thomson scattering by the free moving electrons of prominences, indirectly indicate the presence of oppositely directed electric currents in the prominence and surrounding corona.