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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 May 2016
We describe the fine structure of white light polar plumes observed using SOHO/LASCO C2 coronagraph. The evolving helical structures of different scales are clearly seen on processed images (the processing is made to reveal the faint contrast objects). The observed structures trace the magnetic field lines, so the electric currents flow along the axes of plumes. An MHD model of a plume which takes into account field-aligned electric currents is developed. The model permits to understand the existence of high-density plasma inside the plume due to the balance between the magnetic forces and the transverse pressure gradient.