This total solar eclipse in 1980 was photographed from Palem, India.
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High Altitude Observatory and Rhodes College

High Altitude Observatory

Scientists at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) try to understand the changes we see in the Sun over time. They also study how these changes affect the atmosphere of the Earth. There are four main areas of study at HAO.

Some people try to understand the structure of the inside of the Sun, and how it changes over time. They collect detailed facts about the Sun, and try to learn about the basic processes that affect it.

Others focus on the magnetism of the Sun and the events we see near the surface. This connects the study of the conditions on the inside with the activity in the hot gas above the surface.

Another group of scientists build tools to observe the atmosphere of the Sun, and try to understand the changes we see over hours or even years. Radiation and particles move out from the Sun, sometimes in sudden eruptions.

As the light and gas from the Sun reaches the Earth, others study the impact of the Sun's output on the magnetism and atmosphere of our planet. This helps us protect satellites and astronauts, and teaches us how the Sun affects our climate.

Last modified February 9, 2005 by Travis Metcalfe.

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