Tomographic Study of Ionospheric Effects Associated with a Solar Eclipse

This paper studies the ionospheric effects associated with the solar eclipse of October 24th, 1995 by means of Computerized Ionospheric Tomography (CIT). Since the reconstructed profiles from experimental CIT are sporadically located in time, a time domain interpolation method based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) technique is proposed and applied to extract the ionospheric effects. The effects can be extracted by comparison analysis between the interpolated CIT profiles of the eclipse days and that of the reference day that are time-aligned. A series of figs have been obtained showing the attenuation of photonization effect at low altitudes and the weakening of plasma’s transportation process at high altitudes, etc. The photonization effect recovered to normal level soon after the last contact. The maximum electron density diminishing is observed about 2 h after the eclipse maximum and the effects seem vanished in the hours followed. Analysis on vertical TEC’s latitudinal-temporal variation gives similar conclusions.

Ionospheric Responses to a Total Solar Eclipse Deduced by the GPS Beacon Observations

The total electron content (TEC) data during the total eclipse of March 9, 1997 were collected, which were observed by means of nine GPS receivers located at the eastern Asia. The responses of total TEC to the eclipse were analyzed. The results show that: 1) the eclipse led to apparent decrement in TEC that lasted for six to eight hours; 2) the maximum decrement occurred after the middle of the eclipse with time delays varying from twenty minutes to about three hours; 3) the maximum absolute deviations of TEC on the eclipse day do not show a simple and consistent relationship to the maximum solar obscuration.

Prediction of the thermospheric and ionospheric responses to the 21 June 2020 annular solar eclipse

On 21 June 2020,an annular solar eclipse will traverse the low latitudes from Africa to Southeast Asia.The highest latitude of the maximum eclipse obscuration is approximately 30°.This low-latitude solar eclipse provides a unique and unprecedented opportunity to explore the impact of the eclipse on the low-latitude ionosphere–thermosphere(I–T)system,especially in the equatorial ionization anomaly region.In this study,we describe a quantitative prediction of the impact of this upcoming solar eclipse on the I–T system by using Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Electrodynamics General Circulation Model simulations.A prominent total electron content(TEC)enhancement of around 2 TEC units occurs in the equatorial ionization anomaly region even when this region is still in the shadow of the eclipse.This TEC enhancement lasts for nearly 4.5 hours,long after the solar eclipse has ended.Further model control simulations indicate that the TEC increase is mainly caused by the eclipse-induced transequatorial plasma transport associated with northward neutral wind perturbations,which result from eclipse-induced pressure gradient changes.The results illustrate that the effect of the solar eclipse on the I–T system is not transient and linear but should be considered a dynamically and energetically coupled system.

Is the Growth of the Astronomical Unit Caused by the Allais Eclipse Effect?

In addition to the Pioneer anomaly and the Earth flyby anomaly for spacecraft, other unexplained anomalies disrupt the solar system dynamics, like the astronomical unit. We show in this paper that the Allais eclipse effect causes the major part of the growth of the length scale for the entire solar system. It is the rough disturbance on the barycenter Earth-Moon implying the Sun that was recorded in the movement of the paraconical pendulum. Earth and Moon revolve around their common center of gravity, which in turn orbits the Sun, and the perturbation of the eclipse hits this double, coupled Kepler’s movements. The thesis of the tidal friction supports that oceanic tidal friction transfers the angular momentum of the Earth to the Moon and slows down the rotation of the Earth while taking away the Moon. However, we think that there are not enough shallow seas to sanction this interpretation. The Earth-Moon tidal system might be inaccurate or unreliable in determining the Earth’s actual rotational spin-down rate. Our assertion is that the change in the Earth’s rotation is caused by a repulsive gravitational interaction during solar eclipse. The perturbation would submit to variations and distortions the region of the barycenter of the Earth-Moon system which revolves around the Sun, with the dual secular effects that the Moon spirals outwards and that the Earth-Moon system goes away from the Sun.

A Check on the Variations of Earth's Rotation with an Ancient Solar Eclipse

We address the relation between an ancient total eclipse, which occurred on A.D.1542 August 11 and the variation of Earth's rotation. The total eclipse was recorded in some ancient Chinese books, especially in local chronicles. Some of the documents include useful information for determining the location of the totality zone. The parameters of the eclipse are calculated by using the DE406 Ephemeris. A high-precision value of ΔT which expresses the variation of the Earth's rotation, of about 300 ~ 380 s, is obtained.

Precise Underground Observations of the Partial Solar Eclipse of 1 June 2011 Using a Foucault Pendulum and a Very Light Torsion Balance

Simultaneous observations of the solar eclipse on 06/01/2011 were carried out using a Foucault pendulum and a torsion balance. The instruments were installed in a salt mine, where the interference was minimal. Both instruments clearly reacted to the eclipse. We conclude that these reactions should not be considered as being gravitational effects.

Study on geomagnetic effects of the March 9, 1997 solar eclipse in Mohe area, China

The geomagnetic effects of the total solar eclipse in Mohe area and the partial eclipse occurred on March 9, 1997 in China are analyzed in this paper. The geomagnetic effects of the eclipse widely distributed in China are obtained, which show H component decreases obviously and is symmetric along the latitude with a center near 33N during the eclipse time. These results of solar eclipse geomagnetic effects are the newest in recent years obtained in the largest area in China.

Observations of the solar corona during the total solar eclipse on 21 August 2017

The Sun’s tenuous outer atmosphere,the corona,emits only about one-millionth as much light as the solar surface.In ancient times the corona was observed by human beings only during total solar eclipses,when the strong emission of visible light from the photosphere was completely blocked by the Moon.In 1931,

Influence of solar eclipse on seawater

Eclipse induced changes in solar radiation is a common interest of scientists all over the world. The disturbance of the heat balance along the supersonic travel of the trajectory of the Moon’s shadow could generate gravity waves during solar eclipse, which results a reduction in the concentration of ozone layer in the stratosphere. We, in this context, conducted some experiments to detect the possible radiations reaching the surface of the earth and the impact of such radiation in seawater during the recent total and annular solar eclipses. This is the first time that the variation in pH value of seawater during solar eclipse is examined, and the experimental data demonstrated that the solar eclipse phenomenon affects the pH value of seawater due to the shorter wavelength radiations received on the surface of the earth. The reduction is around 20% and 40% of the difference between ordinary water and seawater during total and annular eclipses respectively. The multidisciplinary influences of these findings are addressed.

Monitoring the geospace response to the Great American Solar Eclipse on 21 August 2017

Since ancient times,solar eclipses have fascinated—and sometimes terrified—humankind.Solar eclipses are direct sensory experiences.As the sun vanishes from the sky,birds fall silent during the midday twilight.Modern instrumentation has enabled research into the consequences of this sudden change in irradiation within the upper atmosphere.For the first time in 26 years。

Prominence Activity during the 2006 Total Solar Eclipse

During total solar eclipses, we can observe the outer atmospheric layers of the sun (chromosphere and corona). The solar corona extends to several solar radii depending on the sunspot cycle. Basic coronal structures such as polar streamers, helmet type structures were?observed?during the 2006 total solar eclipse. Our total solar eclipse 2006 observations through?both White light corona and H-Alpha filter allowed us to describe coronal structures and Prominence Activity. We found that the solar corona is extended to 4 times of solar radii, the existence different zones of white light corona were shown, moreover, we compared the defined features of solar corona at different observing locations along the track of total solar eclipse 2006. The solar limb activity was studied during both of partial and total eclipse phases by using H-Alpha and white light observations from Salloum, Egypt. We got same prominence activity during partial and total phases of the solar eclipse and recorded three prominences on solar limb. Finally, our processed image in a good agreement with the published?processed images?was?observed from different locations along the track of total eclipse,?added, similar magnetic field structure shown in our processed image and published one.

Remote sensing ionospheric variations due to total solar eclipse, using GNSS observations

For years great interest has been taken in the effects of physical phenomena on ionosphere structure. A total solar eclipse was visible in North America on August 21 st, 2017. This event offered a great opportunity for remote sensing the ionospheric behavior under the eclipse condition. In this study we investigated the effects of total solar eclipse on variations of Total Electron Content(TEC), and consequently deviations on regional models of Vertical TEC(VTEC), as well as variations in ionospheric scintillation occurrence. Although variations of TEC due to total solar eclipse are studied thoroughly by many authors, but the effect of solar eclipse on ionospheric scintillation has never been considered before. Our study is based on measurements from a high-rate GPS network over North America on the day of eclipse, a day before and after its occurrence, on the other hand, GPS measurements from groundbased stations on similar days were used to model TEC on the day of event, and also one day before and after it. The results of this study demonstrate that solar eclipse reduced scintillation occurrence at the totality region up to 28 percent and TEC values showed a decrease of maximum 7 TECU. Considering TEC models, our study showed apparent variations in the regional models, which confirms previous studies on ionospheric responses to eclipse as well as theoretical assumptions.

An Ancient Solar Eclipse Record "Tian-da-yi" in the 10th Century BC

The ancient record "Tian-da-yi" (the sky darkened greatly) is identified with the solar eclipse on May 31, 976BC. This identification is demonstrated in this paper through a palaeographic, astronomical and chronological analysis. It is probably the earliest solar eclipse in Chinese history that can be so identified.

Performance of Incoming Solar Radiation Components in Partial Annular Solar Eclipse on June 21^st, 2020 in Helwan, Egypt

Observing and studying the solar radiation during solar eclipses is important in knowing the changes that occur to the environmental elements during this event. The main objective of this paper is the performance of the incoming variation of solar radiation components, global, direct and diffuse and their fractions during the partial annular solar eclipse on June 21st, 2020 in Helwan, Egypt (Lat. 29.866°N and Long. 31.20°E) has been made. A pyrheliometer for measuring the direct solar radiation, in three different bands;direct yellow (Y), direct red (R), direct infrared (IR), and also the total direct band (I);A pyranometers for measuring the different components of global solar radiation (G), global ultraviolet (GUV), global infrared (GIR) and a meteorological station to measure the different meteorological parameters. The duration of the solar eclipse was 01 h:59 m, and the maximum magnitude of the eclipse in this region was 0.449. The depression is clear at the solar radiation of all components due to the annular solar eclipse, while the depressions of the diffuse and global infrared solar radiation are lower. In all direct radiation compounds (I, Y, R and IR) are greatly affected by the eclipse. The diffuse fraction Kd is higher in the early time, before the partial eclipse, but during the partial annular eclipse time Kd values are suffers variation and through the day, where the values of Kd lies between Kt and KUV. The values of direct infrared solar radiation are dominant before and after the partial annular solar eclipse. The intensity of color bands (W∙m−2∙nm−1) are DIB3 > DIB2 > DIB4, and DIB1 is opposite direction with DIB3 and DIB2, the highest intensity is direct red and the lowest intensity is the direct infrared. The highest values of extinction coefficient in (GIR) solar radiation and the lowest values occur in (GUV) solar radiation, while the values of (G) solar radiation occur between them. In general trend, the values of extinction coefficient during the partial eclipse are increasing, while the minimum values of extinction coefficient occur at noon time due to the air mass is less value in the noon.

1507年1月13日中心食观测记载得到的世界时改正数

清代乾隆年间,安徽《铜陵县志》有1507年(明代正德二年)1月发生了一次中心食(日全食和日环食的统称)的观测记载。利用现代天文行星历表计算了此次日食的日食带,研究当时的世界时改正数。结合明代嘉靖年间江西《东乡县志》和清代顺治安徽《望江县志》两处地方志关于此次日食的观测记载,进一步分析了东乡县和望江县对此次日食的可观测情况。本文研究对于地球自转的长期变化研究具有一定的参考价值。

中国北纬30°地面太阳光谱观测

利用国际标准RAMSES光谱仪和CMP11型太阳总辐射仪,在2019年至2020年期间对中国北纬30°区域8个城市(西藏阿里、日喀则、拉萨、林芝、成都、武汉、杭州、上海)进行了地面太阳辐射的观测研究。观测结果表明在中国北纬30°区域,西藏总体太阳光谱不仅强度上远远高于低海拔的内地城市,而且光谱曲线在形态特征上比低海拔更光滑,吸收弱。观测期间西藏最大地面单色太阳光谱强度可达2018.48 mW·(m^(2)·nm)^(-1)(阿里,2020年6月21日),同纬度其他内地城市最大地面单色太阳光谱强度仅为756.22 mW·(m^(2)·nm)^(-1)(成都,2019年11月03日);西藏地面太阳光谱中所含紫外光谱(280~400 nm)比内地低海拔高出约1.5倍以上,强烈的紫外线对西藏生态和人体健康产生相应影响;观测期间发现拉萨地面太阳光谱强度约为成都的1.5~1.7倍;阿里地面太阳光谱强度比上海高出约0.2倍。观测结果为北纬30°区域太阳能资源的利用和生态环境等研究提供实地太阳光谱数据;对2020年夏至发生的日食现象进行了太阳光谱的同步观测研究,发现日食期间拉萨、阿里辐射能量损失均超过95%。分析了云、气溶胶等大气因子对太阳光谱、太阳总辐射的影响。研究表明西藏阿里等地夏季太阳总辐射值频频超过太阳常数。

电离层电子密度剖面和特征参数对两次日食事件的响应研究

本文利用亚洲和美洲地区多个测高仪台站的观测,并结合三维电离层-热层耦合理论模型进行数值模拟,对2020年6月21日和2017年8月21日两次日食事件期间电离层电子密度剖面的变化特征进行分析,并探讨这两次事件中日食效应的异同及形成机制.分析结果表明,在这两次日食期间,位于电离层低高度的E层和F1层的电子密度变化与太阳辐射的变化基本同步;且F1层峰值密度的日食响应幅度大于E层.该结果与以往观测一致,且日食响应无明显的经度变化.进一步地,通过分析观测和模拟结果中电子密度日食衰减效应的高度变化和时延特征,我们发现:(1)观测和模拟结果均表明,食甚时电子密度的最大相对衰减的位置一般不在F1层峰的位置,而是在其上方约几十公里的高度;模拟结果显示该现象是由日食期间F1层上方光化学过程与动力学过程共同作用导致;(2)在中纬地区,在F2层峰附近及以上区域中电离层电子密度最大日食衰减相对太阳辐射变化的时延具有显著的经度变化,其相对衰减在亚洲地区随高度增加而减少,在北美地区随高度无明显变化,与以往报道的欧洲地区随高度增加而增加的趋势也不同;(3)日食电子密度衰减时延的高度变化受到日食发生的地方时的显著影响,如上午时段与午后时段的响应有明显不同.模拟结果表明F2层峰及以上高度的日食效应受到中性风和双极扩散的影响较大,而受电场漂移的影响相对较小;模拟结果同时显示在午后这些动力学输运过程及其日食响应比在午前更强,该现象与午前和午后背景电子密度的大小差异有关.这可能是观测到的日食电子密度衰减时延的高度依赖具有经度变化的原因.

Near infrared spectral and polarization imaging observation of coronal emission lines during the 2008 total solar eclipse

During the 2008 total solar eclipse, the coronal emission lines were observed by using optical fibre spectrometric and polarization imaging system in near infrared waveband. The profiles of the coronal emission lines including Fe XIII 10747 , 10798  and He I 10830  were obtained with dispersion of 0.5 /pix. The intensity of Fe XIII 10747  remained unchanged in the two different coronal regions while the intensity of He I 10830  varied considerably in the two coronal locations no matter whether the prominence appeared or not. The coronal polarization images were observed at Fe XI 7892  with a bandpass of 30  in a series of exposure times.

Records of solar eclipse observations in ancient China

Like ancient people at other places of the world, the ancient Chinese lived in awe of the Sun. As they felt solar eclipses extremely significant events, they closely observed the occurrence of solar eclipse. Ancient astronomers further realized very early that solar eclipses were one of the important astronomical phenomena to revise and improve the ancient calendar. Interestingly, ancient emperors regarded solar eclipses as warnings from heaven that might affect the stability of their throne. Consequently, observing and recording solar eclipses became official, which dated far back to ancient China when numerous relevant descriptions were recorded in historical books. These records contribute substantially to China as an ancient civilization, as well as to the research of the long-term variation of the rotation rate of the Earth during >2000 years before the 17th century. This paper briefly reviews the perception, observations and recording of solar eclipses by ancient Chinese astronomers.