Some comments on solar reconnection problems

Comments are given on solar reconnection problems, noting that reconnection of magnetic flux tubes is a widespread phenomenon both on and inside the sun. The solar convection zone, some 200,000 km deep, contains vast numbers of flux tubes, all in pressure equilibrium with the nonmagnetic surroundings. Twisted tubes may well be reconnected in a manner resembling spot welding rather than by Petschek's mechanism. By a sequence of processes, flux ropes are built and float to the surface to produce sunspots. This is a vital part of the solar cycle, and the help of theoreticians in studying it is requested. It is belived that reconnection also occurs in prominences and will be easier to study there than in flares. A massive program is recommended for daily observation of quiescent prominences from limb to limb to establish their typical three dimensional structures. Only after the field geometry is any further work justified on the theory of prominences and related reconnection phenomena. Unanswered questions remaining and observations that could help are noted