TRACE是太阳过渡区与日冕探测器（Transition Region and Coronal
Explorer）的缩写。TRACE通过对光球层、过渡区和日冕的观测，使得太阳物理学家可以通过定量的方式对太阳小尺度磁场和联合等离子结构之间的关系进行研究。TRACE可以几乎同时观测这些不同的温度区域（不同的波段仅有1秒钟的延迟），同时TRACE的空间分辨率达到了1"。
TRACE探测太阳的磁场，以此来研究：
·磁场的3维结构
·光球流随时间的演化
·随时间变化的日冕结构
·日冕和过渡区中的热分布
1998年TRACE使用飞马火箭在范登堡空军基地发射升空。这次发射使得TRACE能在太阳黑子活动极大年的开始阶段便加入SOHO的行列，对太阳进行观测。当时并没有太阳过渡区与日冕探测器，同时TRACE也是美国为太阳活动极大年发射的第一个太阳探测器。
两个探测器进行了互相补充的观测：TRACE提供高空间和时间分辨率的图像，与此同时SOHO则在距离太阳30个太阳半径处发回分辨率相对较低的图像及光谱数据。它们使得对太阳大气不同温度区域的数字化观测，以及高分辨率成像和分光观测成为可能。
通过它们的数据，我们期望揭开日冕加热和磁流力学的神秘面纱，这不仅对太阳物理十分有必要，同时对恒星活动的研究以及吸积盘的磁流力学也非常的有价值。通过迈克尔孙多普勒成像仪（MDI*）SOHO对光球层磁场的爆发和分布的全程观测对认识TRACE所观测的冕洞形成和日冕层物质抛射十分重要。这些现象对空间环境和地球磁场都有着深远的影响。
SOHO提供了前所未有的机会了跟踪来自太阳对流区深层的磁流，它们会穿过光球层、色球层和过渡区直达低β外层日冕（物理参数β代表气体压力与磁场压力之比，“低β”表明磁场压力远远大于气体压力*），同时它也以高时间和空间分辨率来观测日冕层物质抛射。
过渡区从光球层到日冕。在光球层磁场和等离子体几乎均分，但在日冕中磁场则占主导。直到最近日冕仍很难建立起模型，而且很难对它进行高分辨率的观测。与此同时，从空间物理学到天体物理学有许多相关的物理问题急待解决，例如等离子体禁闭、重连、波传播以及等离子体加热。对天体物理，尤其是恒星研究来说，对这些发生在太阳外层大气的问题的深入研究是至关重要的。
*感谢南京大学天文系丁明德老师在相关词汇翻译解释上所提供的大力帮助。
仪器设备
| TRACE整体一览图 |
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| Front Door 前门；Sun Sensor 太阳传感器；Quadrant Shutter
像限仪转门；Active Secondary 活动副镜；Invar Spacers 不变形支撑装置；Primary Mirror 主镜；CCD
Camera CCD照相机；Radiator 散热器；Filter Wheels 滤镜转盘；Guide Telescope 导星镜；Focus
Mechanism 调焦装置；Rear Door 后门 |
直径30cm的TRACE望远镜在主镜和副镜像限仪上使用了4层普通入射镀膜。指向是内稳定式的，可以抵御每秒钟0.1"的颤动。一个1024×1024的CCD可以对8.5'×8.5'的区域成像。一台强大的计算机会对观测数据进行处理，包括目标选择、数据压缩等。
| TRACE前端放大图 |
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Sun Sensor 太阳传感器；Quadrant Shutter 像限仪转门
Secondary Mirror 副镜；Focus Mechanism 调焦装置；Offset Pointing Mechanism 偏置导星装置；Guide
Telescope 导星镜 |
在仪器进口窗之后的像限选择器用来选择观测像限。
| TRACE焦平面图 |
 |
| Filter Wheels 滤镜转盘；Shutter 快门；CCD Camera CCD照相机；Radiator
散热器；Primary Mirror 主镜 |
| TRACE望远镜舱和导星镜 |
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TRACE的科学发现
太阳东部的冕圈，使用TRACE的171A拍摄，其中的等离子体温度高达1百万K，拍摄时间世界时1999年11月6日02:30
太阳的冕圈，其中蓝色的星球为地球，可见冕圈之巨大。
TRACE相关论文（2001年）
Asai, et al., 2001
A. Asai, T.T. Ishii, and H. Kurokawa, "Plasma Ejections from a Light
Bridge in a Sunspot Umbra," Astrophys. J., 555, L000, 2001.
Aschwanden
M.J. Aschwanden, "An Evaluation of Coronal Heating Models based on Yohkoh,
SoHO, and TRACE Observation," (in press, Astrophys. J., Oct. 2001).
[Download the
preprint -- Postscript ]
Aschwanden and Alexander
M.J. Aschwanden and D. Alexander, "Flare Plasma Cooling from 30 MK down to
1 MK modeled from Yohkoh, GOES, and TRACE observations during the Bastille-Day
Event (2000 July 14)," (in press, Solar Physics, 2001).
[Download the preprint
-- Postscript ]
Aschwanden et al.
M.J. Aschwanden, A.I. Poland, and D. Rabin, "The New Solar Corona",
(submitted in 2000 to Annual Reviews of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
39, 2001).
Aschwanden et al. 2001
M.J. Aschwanden, C. J. Schrijver, and D. Alexander, "Modeling of Coronal
EUV Loops Observed with TRACE: I. Hydrostatic Steady-State Solutions with
Nonuniform Heating," Astrophys. J., 550, 1036-1050, 2001).
Berghmans et al. 2001
D. Berghmans, D. McKenzie, and F. Clette, "Active Region Transient
Brightenings. Asimultaneous View by SXT, EIT and TRACE," Astronomy and
Astrophysics, 369, 291-304, 2001.
Chertok 2001
I.M. Chertok, "Solar Large-Scale Emitting Chains: Evidence of Reality and
Some Properties," Solar Physics, 198, 367-383, 2001.
Chertok et al.
I.M. Chertok, V.V. Fomichev, A.A. Gnezdilov, R.V. Gorgutsa, V.V. Grechnev,
A.K. Markeev, R.W. Nightingale, and D.E. Sobolev, "Multi-scale Features of the
14 July 2000 Meter-Wavelength Dynamic Radio Spectrum Compared with TRACE
Data," (submitted to Solar Physics, Apr. 2001).
Czaykowska et al., 2001
A. Czaykowska, D. Alexander, and B. DePontieu, "Chromospheric Heating in
the Late Phase of Two-Ribbon Flares," Astrophys. J., 552,
849-857, 2001.
DeLuca et al.
E. DeLuca et al., "TRACE Observations of Damped Coronal Loop
Oscillations," (submitted in 2000 to Solar Physics).
De Pontieu et al.
B. De Pontieu, P.C.H. Martens, and H.S. Hudson, "Chromospheric Damping of
Alfven waves," (accepted by Astrophys. J., 2001).
Dwivedi and Phillips, 2001
B.N. Dwivedi and K.J.H. Phillips, "The Paradox of the Sun's Hot Corona,"
Scientific American, 284, 40-47, 2001.
Fletcher et al., 2001
L. Fletcher, T.R. Metcalf, D. Alexander, D.S. Brown, and L.A. Ryder,
"Evidence for the Flare Trigger Site and Three-Dimensional Reconnection in
Multiwavelength Observations of a Solar Flare," Astrophys.
J.,554, 451-463, 2001.
Gibson et al.
S.E. Gibson, L. Fletcher, D. Alexander, D. Biesecker, J. Burkepile, G. del
Zanna, C. Mandrini, H. Mason, Y. Liu, N. Nitta, D. Pike, J. Qiu, K. Ko, B.
Schmieder, and B. Thompson, "Sigmoid structure and evolution," (to be
published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium
#203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights
from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Golub 2001
L. Golub, "The Transition Region and Coronal Explorer," McGraw-Hill
Science Encyclopedia Yearbook, 2001.
Golub
L. Golub, "Recent Results from TRACE," (submitted in November 1999 to
Cool Stars Workshop).
[Abstract],
[Download
the preprint - PostScript, 3632 kB]
Golub
L. Golub, "Coronal Dynamics Viewed by the TRACE Satellite," (to be
published in Proceedings of the Eclipses and the Solar Corona Conference
2000).
[Abstract],
[Download
the preprint - pdf, 2186 kB]
Golub and Pasachoff
L. Golub and J. M. Pasachoff, Nearest Star: The Surprising Science of
Our Sun, (in press, Harvard University Press, May 2001). [Information on the
Web]
Ishii et al.
T.T. Ishii, T.T. Takeuchi, and H. Kurokawa, "Active Region Evolutions and
Flare Activities : From the Photosphere to the Corona," (to be published in
the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium #203: Recent
Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights from SOHO and
other Space Mission, 2001).
Judge et al., 2001
P.G. Judge, T.D. Tarbell, and K. Wilhelm, "A Study of Chromospheric
Oscillations Using the SOHO and TRACE Spacecraft," Astrophys. J.,
554, 424-444, 2001.
Judge et al.
P.G. Judge, et al., "Mechanical Coupling from Photosphere to Corona," (to
be published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union
Symposium #203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere:
Highlights from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Kjeldseth-Moe et al.
O. Kjeldseth, et al., "The Time Variable Solar Atmosphere," (to be
published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium
#203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights
from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Kosovichev and Zharkova 2001
A.G. Kosovichev and V.V. Zharkova, "Magnetic Energy Release and Transients
in the Solar Flare of 2000 July 14," Astrophys. J., 550, L105-L108,
2001.
Lin et al. 2001
A.C. Lin, R.W. Nightingale, and T.D. Tarbell, "Diffraction Pattern
Analysis of Bright TRACE Flares," Solar Physics, 198, 385-398,
2001.
Longcope and Kankelborg
D.W. Longcope and C.C. Kankelborg, "Topology is Destiny: Reconnection
Energetics in the Corona," (in press for The University of Tokyo Symposium
in 2000 on Magnetic Reconnection in Space and Laboratory Plasmas, (M.
Hoshino, R.L. Stenzel, K. Hibata, eds.) Earth, Planets, and Science in
Space).
Martens and Zwaan
P.H. Martens and C. Zwaan, "Origin and Evolution of Filament-Prominance
Systems," (submitted in 2001 to Astrophys. J.).
McKenzie and Hudson
D.E. McKenzie and H.S. Hudson, "Supra-arcade Downflows in Long-duration
Solar Flare Events," (accepted for Proceedings of The University of Tokyo
Symposium in 2000 on Magnetic Reconnection in Space and Laboratory Plasmas, M.
Hoshino, R. L. Stenzel, and K. Shibata, eds. Earth, Planets, and Space, 2001).
Mein et al.
Mein et al., "A Study of Hydrogen Density in Emerging Loops," (in press,
Astrophys. J., 2001).
Nakariakov
V.M. Nakariakov, "MHD Seismology of the Solar Corona with SOHO and TRACE,"
(to be published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union
Symposium #203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere:
Highlights from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2000).
Nakariahov and Ofman
V.M. Nakariahov and L. Ofman, "Determination of the Coronal Magnetic Field
by Coronal Loop Oscillations," (submitted in 2000 to Astronomy and
Astrophysics Letters).
Parnell et al.
C.E. Parnell, D. Bewsher, R.A. Harrison, and A.W. Hood, "Transition Region
Blinkers, X-ray Bright Points and Nanoflares," (to be published in the
Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium #203: Recent
Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights from SOHO and
other Space Mission, 2001).
Pasachoff et al.
J. Pasachoff et al., "Simultaneous Eclipse and TRACE Observations of
Coronal Loops on August 11, 1999," (submitted to Solar Physics, 2001).
Peter 2001
H. Peter, "Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration: Future Work on
Observations," Space Science Reviews, 95, 107, 2001.
Robbrecht et al. 2001
E. Robbrecht, E. Verwichte, D. Berghmans, J.F. Hochedez, S. Poedts, and
V.M. Nakariakov, "Slow Magnetoacoustic Waves in Coronal Loops: EIT and TRACE,"
Astronomy and Astrophysics, 370, 591-601, 2001.
Ryutova and Tarbell
M. Ryutova and T. Tarbell, "On the Magnetic Energy Avalanche in the Solar
Atmosphere," (submitted to Astrophys. Space Sci., 2001).
Ryutova et al.
M. Ryutova, S. Habbal, R. Woo, and T. Tarbell. "Quiet Photospheric Network
as the Base of the Fast Solar Wind", (accepted by Solar Physics, 2000).
Schrijver 2001
C.J. Schrijver, "Catastrophic Cooling and High-Speed Downflow in Quiescent
Solar Coronal Loops Observed with TRACE," Solar Physics, 198,
325-345, 2001).
Schrijver
C.J. Schrijver, "The Coronae of the Sun and Solar-type Stars," in "Cool
Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun," R.J. García López, R. Rebolo, and M.R.
Zapatero Osorio, Astron. Soc. of the Pacific Conf. Ser. (in press,
1999).
Schrijver and Title 2001
C.J. Schrijver and A.M. Title, "Today's Science of the Sun - Part I,"
Sky and Telescope, 101, cover and 34-39, February 2001.
C.J. Schrijver and A.M. Title, "Today's Science of the Sun - Part II,"
Sky and Telescope, 101, 34-40, March 2001.
Schrijver et. al
C.J. Schrijver, A.M. Title, and the TRACE team, "TRACE Images and Movies,"
(in press, CD-ROM supplement to Solar Physics Vol. 200, March 2001).
[A subset of the
on-going TRACE POD ]
Sterling
A.C. Sterling, "Solar Spicules: A Review of Recent Models and Targets for
Future Observations," (in press, Solar Physics).
Trimble and Aschwanden
V. Trimble and M.J. Aschwanden, "Astrophysics in 2000," (submitted in 2001
to Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific).
Wang et al.
H. Wang et al. "Toplogy of Magnetic Field and Coronal Heating in Active
Regions - I Magnetic Field Reconnection", (submitted to Solar Physics).
Wang et al.
H. Wang et al. "Toplogy of Magnetic Field and Coronal Heating in Active
Regions - II The Role of Quasi-Separatrix Layers", (submitted to Solar
Physics).
Warren and Reeves, 2001
H. Warren and K. Reeves, "High Spatial Resolution Observations of a Hot
Region in a Solar Flare with the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer,"
Astrophys. J., 554, L103, 2001.
Willson
R.F. Willson, "Collaborative VLA, SOHO and TRACE Observations of
Nonthermal Energy Release in the Corona," (to be published in the
Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium #203: Recent
Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights from SOHO and
other Space Mission, 2001).
Winebarger et al. 2001
A.R. Winebarger, E.E. DeLuca, and Leon Golub, "Apparent Flows above an
Active Region Observed with the Transition Region and Corona Explorer,"
Astrophys. J., 553, L81, 2001).
Winebarger et al.
A.R. Winebarger, et al., "Mass and Energy Flows in the Solar Transition
Region and Corona," (to be published in the Proceedings of International
Astronomical Union Symposium #203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun
and Heliosphere: Highlights from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Yan et al., 2001
Y. Yan, Y. Deng, M. Karlicky, Q. Fu, S. Wang, and Y. Liu, "The Magnetic
Rope Structure and Associated Energetic Processes in 2000 July 14 Solar
Flare," Astrophys. J., 551, L115, 2001.
Yan et al.
Yan et al. "The Magnetic Topological Structure and Energetic 2B/X2 Flare
in NOAA 8100," (submitted to Solar Physics).
Yan et al.
Y. Yan, M.J. Aschwanden, S.J. Wang, and Y.Y. Deng, "Evolution of Mangetic
Flux Rope in NOAA 9077 Active Region on 14 July 2000," (submitted to Solar
Physics, May 2001).
Zhang and Wang, 2001
J. Zhang and J. Wang, "Filament Eruptions and Halo Coronal Mass
Ejections," Astrophys. J., 554, 474-487, 2001.
Zhang
M. Zhang, "A Comparison of Coordinated TRACE and EIT Observations," (to be
published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union Symposium
#203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere: Highlights
from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Zhang
M. Zhang, "TRACE Emission Heights Estimated From TRACE Limb Observations,"
(to be published in the Proceedings of International Astronomical Union
Symposium #203: Recent Insights into the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere:
Highlights from SOHO and other Space Mission, 2001).
Zhang et al.
M. Zhang, et al., "The Formation Heights of TRACE Lines Estimated From
TRACE Limb Observations," (to be published in the Proceedings of
International Astronomical Union Meeting #24 Discussion #7: The Sun and Space
Weather, 2001).
Zuccarello et al. 2001
F. Zuccarello, L. Contarino, and P. Romano, "Description of a Procedure to
Analyse EUV Loops," Solar Physics, 199, 97-105, 2001.
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