How to see the Sun's corona during the eclipse

The solar eclipse that swept across parts of Europe on 12 April 2024 offered a rare chance to glimpse the Sun’s ethereal corona – the luminous halo of plasma that normally hides behind daylight. Astronomers, amateur sky‑watchers, and curious onlookers gathered on rooftops, beaches, and countryside fields to capture the fleeting glow. Because the corona reveals the Sun’s magnetic activity and feeds space‑weather forecasts, viewing it safely is both a scientific and cultural event. For readers keen on the science behind the spectacle, this guide explains how to see the corona without risking eye damage.

Key takeaways

  • Use certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter to protect your eyes during the partial phases.
  • The corona becomes visible only seconds after totality begins, lasting up to two minutes at most.
  • Portable telescopes with solar filters provide the sharpest detail of coronal structures.
  • Recording the event requires a stable tripod and a camera set to manual exposure.

Background

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow that briefly blocks the photosphere. The Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, is normally outshone by the bright solar disc, but totality allows it to shine like a pearly white crown. Historically, coronas have been studied with space‑based observatories, yet ground‑based viewing adds context for public engagement and citizen‑science projects. The 2024 eclipse fell along a path from Portugal to Turkey, offering many urban and rural spots to witness the event — see the detailed guide in Best places to see partial solar eclipse across England for nearby alternatives.

What happened

On the morning of 12 April, clouds cleared over the eclipse corridor, and crowds assembled with a mix of high‑tech gear and simple cardboard viewers. As the Moon’s silhouette covered the Sun, a sudden dimming turned day into twilight, and the corona burst into view as a faint, wispy halo. Observers reported a spectrum of colors—white, pink, and gold—radiating outward, while solar physicists used the moment to calibrate ground‑based instruments. The event was live‑streamed by several broadcasters, with highlights featured on BBC News).

Why it matters

The corona is a laboratory for studying magnetic fields that drive solar flares and coronal mass ejections, phenomena that can disrupt satellites and power grids. By encouraging safe public viewing, astronomers foster scientific literacy and inspire the next generation of researchers. Moreover, the data collected by amateur telescopes complement professional observatories, expanding the global network of solar monitoring. For a deeper dive into how citizen science intersects with entertainment, read Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low.

What happens next

In the weeks following the eclipse, researchers will analyze the high‑resolution images submitted to the International Astronomical Union’s citizen‑science portal. Findings may refine models of coronal heating, a long‑standing puzzle in astrophysics. Meanwhile, astronomy clubs plan workshops on building affordable solar filters, linking back to the broader science community. Readers can stay updated through Chronicle News or explore all recent pieces on our site via the all articles archive.

Frequently asked questions

How can I protect my eyes while watching the eclipse?

Use ISO‑certified eclipse glasses or attach a solar filter to any optical device; never look directly at the Sun without proper protection.

Will a camera capture the corona without a special filter?

No—standard lenses will be damaged; a dedicated solar filter is required to safely photograph the corona.

Can I see the corona with the naked eye after totality ends?

The corona fades within seconds as the Sun’s bright photosphere reappears; it is not visible without protection once totality is over.

Bottom line

Viewing the Sun’s corona during a total eclipse offers a spectacular glimpse into solar dynamics, but safety must come first. Reporting by BBC News.

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