Recent white-light coronagraphs at the Naval Research Laboratory

Area of Science:

• Solar physics
• Astronomy
• Space instrumentation

Background:

• White-light externally occulted coronagraphs are specialized telescopes for observing the solar corona near the Sun.
• These instruments utilize the Lyot principle to minimize diffraction effects, enabling the study of faint coronal emissions.
• The first coronagraphic telescope was launched in 1971, revealing the dynamic nature of the solar corona.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the two most recent white-light externally occulted coronagraphs.
• To compare the designs and capabilities of these latest solar coronagraph telescopes.
• To highlight the evolution of coronagraph technology since the first mission in 1971.

Main Methods:

• Review of design specifications for the two latest coronagraphs.
• Comparative analysis of instrument capabilities.
• Historical overview of coronagraph development.

Main Results:

• Detailed descriptions of the two latest coronagraph designs.
• Comparative analysis highlighting advancements and differences in capabilities.
• Contextualization of new designs within the historical evolution of coronagraph technology.

Conclusions:

• The latest coronagraphs represent significant advancements in solar corona observation technology.
• Comparing these instruments provides insights into the ongoing evolution of space-based solar telescopes.
• Understanding these designs is crucial for future solar physics research.