AGS-PRF: Novel Analyses of Total Solar Eclipse Data as a Tool for Coronal Physics

Boe, Benjamin R, Honolulu HI

Investigators

Abstract

A total solar eclipse (TSE) is a rare event where the shadow of the moon blocks out the surface of the Sun on the Earth. This enables scientists to study the very hot, tenuous outer layer of the Sun, known as the corona. This project will enable a postdoctoral research fellow to study TSE observations to understand the solar wind and corona – which is important in predicting space weather effects. The project also supports outreach activities with the local Hawaiian community, through a high school scholars’ program and additional outreach and mentoring activities. The work includes four distinct sub-projects on coronal physics based on existing white-light and narrowband emission line data from TSE observations: (i) An investigation of solar wind source regions in the corona using freeze-in distance and temperature diagnostics; (ii) A Differential Emission Measure (DEM) analysis using multiple Fe lines; (iii) Absolute calibrations of the imaging data to determine the density and structure of both the K corona (electron scattering), F corona (dust scattering) and absolute line emission; and (iv) Compare the TSE results with cutting edge coronal and solar wind models which make explicit predictions that can be tested with TSE observations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.