The sun follows a regular cycle of activity and quietnes. This cycle takes 11 years to start over again. By chance, the 2017 total solar eclipse was at the solar minimum and the 2024 total solar eclipse was at the most active phase – the solar maximum. Comparing the images I took during totality of the two eclipses, the solar corona also reflects this.
During the solar minimum, the corona looks more structured. At the poles, the corona shows a well defined pattern resembling the magnetic field lines.
In contrary, during the solar maximum, there are more jets and streamers (also at the poles) but there are less structured patterns. Especially the inner corona looks rather chaotic compared to the quiet sun.
It will be fascinating to compare these images with further images from other eclipses…
