On April 8, 2024, North America will experience a rare and breathtaking celestial event: a total solar eclipse. This phenomenon, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light and revealing its outer atmosphere, known as the corona, is not only a visual spectacle but also a unique opportunity for scientific discovery.
NASA has selected five interdisciplinary science projects to study the Sun and its influence on Earth during the 2024 eclipse. These projects, led by researchers at various academic institutions, will use a variety of instruments, including cameras aboard high-altitude research planes, ham radios, and more, to capture new details of structures in the middle and lower corona, study a dust ring around the Sun, search for asteroids that may orbit near the Sun, and observe solar “active regions”.
The Unique Opportunity of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Capturing New Details of the Sun’s Corona
The researchers will use cameras aboard high-altitude research planes to capture new details of the structures in the middle and lower corona, which are the outer layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. This data will provide valuable insights into the Sun’s magnetic fields and the dynamics of the solar wind, which can have significant impacts on Earth’s atmosphere and technology.
Studying a Dust Ring Around the Sun
Another project will involve using ham radios to study a dust ring around the Sun, which may contain important clues about the formation and evolution of the solar system. By analyzing the way the radio signals interact with this dust, the researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the properties and distribution of this material.
Searching for Asteroids Near the Sun
The scientists will also use specialized telescopes to search for asteroids that may be orbiting close to the Sun. These objects, known as Atira asteroids, are difficult to detect from Earth due to their proximity to the Sun, but they could provide valuable information about the early solar system and the formation of the inner planets.
Observing Solar Active Regions
Finally, the researchers will use a variety of instruments to observe solar “active regions,” which are areas of intense magnetic activity on the Sun’s surface. These observations will help scientists better understand the processes that drive solar activity and its potential impacts on Earth’s weather and climate.