Structure and shape of the white-light corona during March 9, 1997 and February 26, 1998 eclipses

Structures of the white-light corona (WLC) as were observed during last total solar eclipses on March 9, 1997 and February 26, 1998 are discussed. Both eclipses occurred in the minimum of cycle activity at the beginning of cycle 23. The WLC was a minimum type with many polar rays and extended helmet streamers, located in middle heliographic latitudes or very close to the equator, and coronal holes around the poles. Flattening index is derived, and turn out to be, a+b = 0.27 for 1997, and a+b = 0.22 for 1998, respectively.