Active Prominences

Image Caption: This image was acquired from NASA's Skylab
space station on December 19, 1973. It shows one of the most
spectacular solar flares ever recorded, propelled by magnetic forces, lifting
off from the Sun. It spans more than 588,000 km (365,000 miles)
of the solar surface. In this photograph, the solar poles
are distinguished by a relative absence of supergranulation network,
and a much darker tone than the central portions of the disk. (Courtesy NASA)

Quiescent prominences can last for weeks or months; however, many do eventually erupt dramatically over the course of as little as a few hours.
The magnetic field, that had previously supported the prominence, suddenly releases its stored energy.
The eruption drives matter outward against the immense force of solar gravity.
After the eruption, most of the material does eventually fall back down towards the surface. Frequently the prominence will reform itself at the same location over the course of a few days.
Hydrogen alpha movie of prominence material falling back down to the sun following a flare
Doppler-shift movie of prominence material falling back down to the sun following a flare.
Movie of erupting prominences developed by NASA.
Phenomena related to prominences are: surges, loops and sprays.

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