A group of scientists have published their first prediction of the sun’s corona during April 8’s total solar eclipse—and it includes some exciting features set to stun eclipse chasers.
The prediction, above, comes from San Diego-based Predictive Science Inc., which simulates the sun’s structure using computer models fed with data from NASA’s space-based Solar Dynamics Observatory.
It reveals that a spiky star-like pattern with notable “streamers” and “prominences” is likely to be seen during totality, the brief minutes of darkness that can only be experienced from within the 115-mile wide path of totality.
Shape Shifter
The sun’s corona—it’s hotter outer atmosphere— can be seen as a halo of whitish light around the moon’s silhouette during totality. Its shape changes shape throughout the 11-year solar cycle, during which our star’s magnetic activity waxes and wanes between “solar minimum” and “solar maximum.” The sun is predicted to reach solar maximum in 2024.
The prediction is for a giant “streamer” —a large structure in the corona—shooting out at the 10 o’clock position on the sun. It may be accompanied by a two huge looping prominence—bright pinkish-red towers of plasma—at both 4 o’clock and 11 o’clock.
As well as showing what the corona may look like, Predictive Science is also making available an interactive map that allows users to simulate their view, reorientated for the exact location.
Constantly Evolve
Although Predictive Science has been issuing predictions of what the corona will look like for some years, the news for 2024 is that the prediction will constantly evolve and will be continuously updated.
That’s essential for the prediction to stay accurate precisely because of solar maximum. “The solar magnetic field is evolving rapidly and the corona’s appearance can change significantly over several days,” said Jon Linker at Predictive Science Inc. in an email.
At the end of March, Predictive Science’s simulations will also benefit from magnetic field data collected by Solar Orbiter, a European Space Agency spacecraft that will soon photograph the sun’s polar regions.
‘Solar Maximum’ Corona
A similarly spiky solar corona was seen last year during totality as a total solar eclipse in Western Australia, Timor Leste and Indonesia.
The previous time a total solar eclipse occurred close to the solar maximum was in November 2012 in Queensland, Australia, when a spiky solar corona was again seen during totality.
For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
