Changes in the alluring solar corona are detailed in this creative composite image mapping the dynamic outer atmosphere of the Sun during two separate total solar eclipses. Unwrapped from the complete circle of the eclipsed Sun’s edge to a rectangle and mirrored, the entire solar corona is shown during the 2017 eclipse (bottom) seen from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the 2023 eclipse from Exmouth, Western Australia. While the 2017 eclipse was near a minimum in the Sun’s 11 year activity cycle, the 2023 eclipse was closer to solar maximum. The 2023 solar corona hints at the dramatically different character of the active Sun, with many streamers and pinkish prominences arising along the solar limb. Of course, the solar corona is only easily visible to the eye while standing in the shadow of the Moon.

The above image depicts the solar corona’s change from
near solar minimum in 2017 (lower half) to near maximum in 2023 (upper half)

The image data has been remapped from its orginal circular format
to a “panoramic” retangular format, then mirrored to form a single image.

The upcoming April 8th 2024 Total Solar Eclipse path will cross Mexico and the USA
and should display and even more active corona as ther Sun nears solar maximim.