Recent Satellite Observations of the Corona
Abstract
Observations of the solar corona by the DOD satellite P78-1 are discussed and compared with previous findings by OSO-7 and Skylab. The satellite carries a coronagraph and several other solar instruments, including X-ray spectrometers for analyzing the spectra of solar flares and for monochromatic imaging of X-ray emission from active regions. Computer analysis of the pictures obtained in a three-day span in May 1979 shows that many of the day-to-day changes in the streamers result from the rapid ejection of coronal matter, which disrupts the streamers and leaves gradually fading structures in their place. The findings of P78-1 as well as OSO-7 and Skylab seem to agree on a connection between eruptive prominences and coronal transients, but the exact nature of the association is not yet clear.
- Publication:
-
Sky and Telescope
- Pub Date:
- August 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980S&T....60..102K
- Keywords:
-
- Solar Activity;
- Solar Corona;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- Coronagraphs;
- Oso-7;
- Skylab Program;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Spectra;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Solar Physics