In essence, the corona is the sun’s outermost atmospheric layer, usually hidden by the bright glare of the sun’s surface, making it a challenge to observe without specialized equipment.
About the Solar Corona
Surrounding our sun is an atmospheric layer made up of gas, with the corona being its outermost part, playing a vital role in solar activity.
Typically, the sun’s surface brightness overwhelms the corona, making it difficult to see, yet during a total solar eclipse, this stunning halo reveals itself brilliantly.
In a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the sun. The moon will block the bright light of the sun at that time. You shall then have a glowing white corona around the obscured sun.
Attention must be given to eye safety during a total solar eclipse. Except during the brief full phase of the eclipse, when the moon completely covers the bright face of the sun, it is not safe to look at the sun without specialized eye protection devices. Please see NASA Eclipse safety for information on proper viewing techniques and equipment.
Why is the corona so dim?
Its temperature has already reached as high as tens of millions of degrees. However, the corona is so dim. Why? The density in the corona is about ten million times lower than at the surface of the sun. It is just this low density that makes the brightness of the corona much lower than that at the surface of the sun.
Why is the corona so hot?
The high temperature of the corona is somewhat mysterious. Imagine sitting next to a campfire. The weather is very warm. But when you stay away from the fire, you will feel cooler. This is opposite of what seems to be happening on the Sun.
This is one of the many mysteries that have, over the years, been pursued by astronomers. Corona forms the outer layer of the solar atmosphere, and it’s pretty much a considerable distance from the surface. While the sun’s surface should emit the maximum temperature-as it generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core-the temperature of the corona is several hundred times hotter than the sun’s surface.
The possible answer may come from the IRIS mission of NASA, which unraveled a very hot mass package entering the corona from the sun, called a “thermal bomb.” Thermal bombs explode in the corona and release heat therein. However, this is one of many ways, believe astronomers, by which the corona is heated.
Coronal loops and streamers
The sun’s surface is infused with a magnetic field, reminiscent of how a magnet adheres to metal, like a refrigerator door, showcasing the sun’s intricate magnetic dynamics.
This magnetic field shapes the charged particles in the corona, creating enchanting features like ribbons and rings, which can be vividly observed using specialized telescopes.
How does the corona cause solar winds?
The corona extends deep into the space. It produces solar wind streaming through our solar system. The temperature of the corona is so high that its particles move at very high speeds. The speeds are so great that particles can achieve a quality of ‘escape velocity,’ where they can go outside the gravitational pull of the sun.
Photographing the Corona: The Pursuit of Cosmic Marmels
Capturing the elusive beauty of the solar corona during a total solar eclipse transcends mere photography; it’s a profound journey into celestial mechanics, requiring both preparation and an appreciation for the unexpected.
It started with an innocent question where a friend ‘accidentally’ mentioned to me the solar eclipse that was about to occur. Taking a picture of this incident sounded daunting at the very start, as one usually associates solar photography with very specialized equipment. The longest lens I possess is a 200mm regular lens – which is hardly the powerful lens necessary to capture the magnificent halo of the sun as people imagine.
While these words were left with much trepidation, they still have managed to sow a seed of curiosity in my mind. A little research shows this might not be as insurmountable as it felt. The chance to frame a solar eclipse with my existing equipment through the purchase of a simple solar film now comes across as an achievable goal rather than a fanciful dream.
As the solar eclipse approaches, logistical preparations become crucial, with the path of totality traveling through a family’s home in North Carolina, where an email confirmed room for guests eager to share the experience and food.
Well, this adventure was not without hiccups. My colleague from Ohio, a photographer I had planned to carpool with, canceled at the last minute. The exploration seems destined to end before it begins. Then fate intervened again, and a family from New York decided very late to join the pilgrimage and offered me a ride.
The movement to the whole is not just physical relocation; This is a world where the ordinary rules of day and night are temporarily suspended. When the moon slides over the sun, the sunlight gradually weakens and the temperature drops. The world holds its breath, full of anticipation.
I am ready; my camera is now equipped with solar film. The moment of totality, though very brief, is no less than dramatic. The solar corona now stands in full view-a transparent halo that is invisible under normal conditions. This is a photographer’s dream : the rare privilege to shoot an event that reflects how our solar system works.
It’s about the balance of time and exposure in taking a photo of a solar eclipse. Because to accurately measure the dynamic range of the corona, one has to shoot many shots at different exposures. Thus, I work preciously in the very, very brief moment of totality, knowing full well that any mistake might be a miss for a good opportunity.
Upon returning home, the real challenge began—a week of intensive editing to weave multiple exposures into a single image that fully showcased the intricate lacework of the corona and the raw power of the celestial event.
Chaos reigned after the solar eclipse. People are trying to reuse their eclipse glasses by donating them to various organizations like Astronomers Without Borders, who will redistribute them to others around the world during the next eclipses. A solar eclipse as a mass event gives way to a sort of communal feeling about experiencing a miracle together.
There were celebrations with music and assemblies in Montreal, and the parks were filled with thousands of onlookers to view this spectacle. Adding a layer of cultural heritage to the purely astronomical phenomenon, the Metropolitan Orchestra played live music during the astronomical event.
The solar eclipse has sparked concerns over eye safety, as many people worry about potential damage despite warnings and protective eyewear; however, the human instinct to avoid staring directly at the sun provides a natural safeguard against most eye issues.
This is the myth and superstition fallacy about the solar eclipse, which has been washed away just like this event has passed with normalcy resumed. The solar eclipse did not release harmful radiation, did not harm pregnant women, and did not damage food. Rather, these are but echoes from ancient beliefs, reminding one of how celestial events have always acted out a magic spell of awe and fear upon human beings.
Being able to photograph the corona is not only a photographic achievement but also a hint about our standing in the universe, a blink of a moment when the disposition of the heavenly bodies makes the grandeur and mystery of the sun be right in focus. This reminds us that the best sceneries sometimes require us to go beyond the surface and look for beauty hidden from our everyday gaze.
This photograph of the corona represents a thousand-mile journey and a week of editing, serving as both a personal milestone and a shared treasure—a breathtaking moment of cosmic alignment that reflects the enchanting dance of shadows and light in our universe.
Related posts:
Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality
How to Shoot Solar-Eclipse Images & Videos
Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone
