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AsteriaStar
Solar feature

Prominence

A large, relatively cool and dense structure of plasma suspended above the solar surface by magnetic fields, extending into the hot corona. Seen at the limb against the dark sky it appears as a bright arch; quiescent prominences can last for months, while eruptive ones can launch a coronal mass ejection.

Highlights

  • Cool plasma held aloft in the corona by magnetic fields

Across solar physics

Knowledge connections

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.