The eruptive prominence of June 8, 1974

Filtergrams and spectra of a disparition brusque are discussed. The total mass of the prominence prior to eruption is estimated to be approximately equal to 2 x 1015 g. A prominence had erupted 9/2 days earlier from the same active region. The eruptive prominence which was observed formed some 110000 km above the photosphere. In the later phase of the eruption the outward acceleration approached the acceleration due to gravity at the same height. Down falling material along vertical structures was observed with velocities exceeding 100 kms-1. The vertical structures became twisted during the eruption indicating a field aligned current of approximately 1010 amps. (Auth.)