The dynamic formation of prominence condensations

We present simulations of a model for the formation of a prominence condensation in a coronal loop. The key idea behind the model is that the spatial localization of loop heating near the chromosphere leads to a catastrophic cooling in the corona. Using a new adaptive grid code, we simulate the complete growth of a condensation and find that after similar to 5000 s it reaches a quasi-steady state. We show that the size and growth time of the condensation are in good agreement with data and discuss the implications of the model for coronal heating and for observations of prominences and the surrounding corona.