Can We See This Massive Coronal Hole on the Sun?

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In summary, the article discusses the visibility of a large coronal hole on the Sun, describing its characteristics and implications for space weather. Coronal holes are areas where the Sun's magnetic field opens up, allowing solar wind to escape more freely. The piece highlights how scientists monitor these features using various telescopes and instruments, emphasizing their importance in understanding solar activity and its potential impact on Earth.
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DaveC426913
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I never did get an answer to this, and I suspect the observation window is rapidly closing. :sorry:
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Is it visible like a sunspot might be?

Sorry been away for a few days .... No, coronal holes are not optically visible

DaveC426913 said:
and I suspect the observation window is rapidly closing. :sorry:

dont worry, another is central disk now .....

1702350936229.png
 
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davenn said:
No, coronal holes are not optically visible
Well that's hardly Instgrammable is it?
You must know some astro eggheads. Can you get them on that lickety-split?
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Well that's hardly Instgrammable is it?
You must know some astro eggheads. Can you get them on that lickety-split?

Coronal holes are only seen at X-ray wavelengths. The best one they are seen at is like that of the
image above, which is 193 Angstroms (19.3 nanometre) wavelength.
Quote ....
"which highlights a spectral line emitted by iron atoms that have lost 11 electrons (also known as
iron-12 or Fe XII) at temperatures of 1,000,000 K"
end quote

1,000,000K is the typical temperature of the Solar Corona. The high temp of the corona was, for
many years, a great mystery as it sits above the much cooler photosphere ( around 6000K), the
visible *""surface"" of the sun, where the sunspots reside.

* we know it isnt a solid surfaceDave
 
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FAQ: Can We See This Massive Coronal Hole on the Sun?

What is a coronal hole on the Sun?

A coronal hole is an area on the Sun's surface that appears darker in ultraviolet and X-ray images. These regions have lower temperatures and densities compared to their surroundings and are characterized by open magnetic field lines that allow solar wind to escape more easily into space.

How can we see a coronal hole on the Sun?

Coronal holes can be observed using specialized instruments that capture ultraviolet or X-ray images of the Sun, such as those on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) or other solar observatories. These images reveal the darker regions where the coronal holes are located.

Why are coronal holes significant?

Coronal holes are significant because they are sources of high-speed solar wind streams that can interact with Earth's magnetosphere, potentially causing geomagnetic storms. These storms can affect satellite operations, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth.

How does a coronal hole form?

Coronal holes form in areas where the Sun's magnetic field lines open out into space rather than looping back to the surface. This allows solar wind to escape more freely, resulting in regions of lower temperature and density that appear as dark spots in ultraviolet and X-ray images.

Do coronal holes affect space weather?

Yes, coronal holes significantly impact space weather. The high-speed solar wind streams emanating from these holes can lead to geomagnetic storms when they interact with Earth's magnetosphere. These storms can disrupt satellite communications, navigation systems, and even power grids on Earth.

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