The Curious Case of the Fe XI 789.2 nm Line

The first image of the corona in the Fe XI 789.2 nm line was obtained during the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006. Observations of the same spectral line, in conjunction with other more regularly observed Fe lines, such as Fe X 637.4, Fe XIII 1074.7 and Fe XIV 530.3 nm, were made during the eclipse of 1 August 2008. During both eclipses, the Fe XI emission extended further out in the corona than the other Fe lines. The other striking features in both Fe XI observations was the presence of localized enhanced emission when compared to white light, and coronal structures more readily observed in Fe XI than in white light. The results from both eclipses will be presented, with particular emphasis on their implications for coronal heating mechanisms and the coronal electron temperature