[prom-uh-nuh
ns] 
| 1. | Also, prom⋅i⋅nen⋅cy. the state of being prominent; conspicuousness. |
| 2. | something that is prominent; a projection or protuberance: a prominence high over a ravine. |
| 3. | Also called solar prominence. Astronomy. an eruption of a flamelike tongue of relatively cool, high-density gas from the solar chromosphere into the corona where it can be seen during a solar eclipse or by observing strong spectral lines in its emission spectrum. |
prominence prom·i·nence (prŏm'ə-nəns)
n.
The quality or condition of being prominent.
A small projection or protuberance.
| prominence (prŏm'ə-nəns) Pronunciation Key
An eruption of tonguelike clouds of glowing ionized gas extending from the Sun's chromosphere and sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of kilometers into space. When viewed against the solar surface instead of along the edges of its disk, prominences appear as dark, sinuous lines known as filaments. Usually associated with sunspot activity, solar prominences can influence Earth's atmosphere by interfering with electromagnetic activity. ◇ Active prominences erupt suddenly and usually disappear within minutes or hours. Quiescent prominences form more smoothly and can last for several months. See also solar flare. |