The solar corona from SOHO
Abstract
The heating of the solar corona and the acceleration of the solar wind are, after decades of observations and modelling, still open questions. Many processes are possible in regions of strong magnetic field, such as waves, currents, or impulsive events which involve particles acceleration. However, no conclusion has been reached up to now. The situation is no better in open field regions where a (quiet) corona also exists and the wind is faster. Apart from a theoretical effort, a coherent diagnostic of the relevant physical quantities such as densities, temperatures, velocities and their temporal and spatial variations, is necessary. We show how the coronal package on SOHO can provide the temperature and height coverage adequate to understand both small and large scale, closed and open field, solar structures. We give examples of observing programs which address some important physical problems. Finally, we emphasize the increase of scientific return if the SOHO instrumentation is considered as a unique package.
- Publication:
-
Advances in Space Research
- Pub Date:
- April 1994
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0273-1177(94)90181-3
- Bibcode:
- 1994AdSpR..14d.181V
- Keywords:
-
- Plasma Heating;
- Soho Mission;
- Solar Corona;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Solar Temperature;
- Solar Wind;
- Coronal Holes;
- Coronal Loops;
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Satellite Observation;
- Solar Spectra;
- Solar Wind Velocity;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- Solar Physics