Question

How is it possible to see the dim outer atmosphere of the Sun?

1. We would have to be further away from the Sun.
2. It can only be seen at night.
3. Wait until a full solar eclipse.
4. Wait until the Sun begins to die.

Answer 1

The corona can be viewed during a total solar eclipse or with a coronagraph used in space exploration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dim outer atmosphere of the Sun, known as the corona, is difficult to see because of the overpowering brilliance of the Sun's photosphere. One of the few times we can observe the corona from Earth is during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the photosphere and allowing the fainter corona to be visible. Due to the corona's low brightness compared to the photosphere, special instruments like a coronagraph are used in space exploration to observe and photograph the corona without the Sun's glare.