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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Applying X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectroscopy for Use as a High Temperature Plasma Diagnostic
Published on: August 25, 2016
Helium shells and faint emission lines from slitless flash spectra
1Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, UMR 7095, CNRS & UPMC, 98 bis Bd. Arago, 75014 Paris, France ; Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, CNRS UMR 6110, 38, rue Frédéric Joliot-Curie, 13388 Marseille, France.
High frame rate spectra during solar eclipses revealed two helium shells, extending approximately 3 Mm. These observations allow detailed analysis of solar atmosphere layers, crucial for understanding ionization rates.
Area of Science:
- Solar Physics
- Spectroscopy
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Solar eclipses provide unique opportunities for observing the solar atmosphere.
- Previous studies have utilized eclipse data to analyze solar phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze high frame rate CCD flash spectra obtained during the 2008 and 2010 solar total eclipses.
- To investigate the structure and characteristics of helium shells in the solar atmosphere.
- To evaluate ionization rates in the lower solar atmosphere and around prominences.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of high frame rate CCD flash spectra during total solar eclipses.
- Analysis of slitless flash spectra focusing on HeII (4686 Å) and HeI (4713 Å) lines.
- Observation and analysis of faint low FIP lines in emission.
Main Results:
- Detection of two distinct helium shells with extensions of approximately 3 Mm.
- Identification of emission lines superimposed on the continuum, including absorption lines.
- Analysis of variations in singly ionized iron, HeI, and HeII lines, and continuum intensity.
Conclusions:
- Eclipse conditions are optimal for observing faint solar emission lines due to high intensity thresholds and minimal scattered light.
- The study provides insights into the ionization rate in the lower solar atmosphere (up to 2 Mm) and around prominences.
- Detailed analysis of helium shells and other spectral lines contributes to understanding solar atmospheric dynamics.
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