Eclipse observations of coronal plumes in the past and in future

Abstract

Some historic fragments of eclipse investigations of polar coronal plumes are presented. New data of fundamental significance have been obtained recently thanks to the SOHO space observatory. Detection of polar plumes penetrating through the whole space of polar coronal holes is one of the most important results of the SOHO mission. It is suggested that any coronal hole independently of its location on the Sun should have structural elements like to polar plumes. The forthcoming solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 may give a favourable opportunity to detailed study of such features.