| It is a much forgotten fact that the big question which continues to haunt solar physicists, namely how does the temperature of the solar corona exceed a million degrees, originated in spectral observations taken during the total solar eclipse of 1869. This milestone measurement led to the discovery of the solar wind, and the realization that the solar corona could be observed without occultation in the ultraviolet and at shorter wavelengths. Those of us stubborn enough to continue to tap into the unique observing opportunities offered by total solar eclipses, the trials and tribulations of eclipse expeditions are paying off, as will be demonstrated in this talk by eclipse observations acquired since 2006, across more than a solar cycle. |