Images Of Sun Research Articles

Solar flares in the Solar Orbiter era: Short-exposure EUI/FSI observations of STIX flares

This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of short-exposure extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations of solar flares in the study of particle acceleration, heating, and energy partition in flares. This work highlights the observations now available from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) instrument suite on board Solar Orbiter while operating in short-exposure mode. A selection of noteworthy flares observed simultaneously by the Spectrometer Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) and the Full Sun Imager of EUI (EUI/FSI) are detailed. New insights are highlighted and potential avenues of investigation are demonstrated, including forward-modelling of the atmospheric response to a non-thermal beam of electrons using the RADYN 1D hydrodynamic code, in order to compare the predicted and observed EUV emission. The examples given in this work demonstrate that short-exposure EUI/FSI observations are providing important diagnostics during flares. A dataset of more than 9000 flares observed by STIX (from November 2022 until December 2023) with at least one short-exposure EUI/FSI 174 image is currently available. The observations reveal that the brightest parts of short-exposure observations consist of substructure in flaring ribbons that spatially overlap with the hard X-ray emission observed by STIX in the majority of cases. We show that these observations provide an opportunity to further constrain the electron energy flux required for flare modelling, among other potential applications.

High-energy insights from an escaping coronal mass ejection with Solar Orbiter/STIX observations

Context. Solar eruptive events, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are typically characterised by energetically significant X-ray emissions from flare-accelerated electrons and hot thermal plasmas. However, the intense brightness of solar flares often overshadows high-coronal X-ray emissions from the associated eruptions due to the limited dynamic range of current instrumentation. Occulted events, where the main flare is blocked by the solar limb, provide an opportunity to observe and analyse the X-ray emissions specifically associated with CMEs. Aims. This study investigates the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions associated with a large filament eruption and CME that occurred on February 15, 2022. This event was highly occulted from the three vantage points of Solar Orbiter (∼45° behind the limb), Solar–TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO-A), and Earth. Methods. We utilised X-ray observations from the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) and EUV observations from the Full Sun Imager (FSI) of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on board Solar Orbiter, supplemented by multi-viewpoint observations from STEREO-A/Extreme-UltraViolet Imager (EUVI). This enabled a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray emissions in relation to the filament structure observed in the EUV. We used STIX’s imaging and spectroscopy capabilities to characterise the X-ray source associated with the eruption. Results. Our analysis reveals that the X-ray emissions associated with the occulted eruption originate from an altitude exceeding 0.3 R⊙ above the main flare site. The X-ray time profile shows a sharp increase and exponential decay, and consists of both a hot thermal component at 17 ± 2 MK and non-thermal emissions (> 11.4 ± 0.2 keV) characterised by an electron spectral index of 3.9 ± 0.2. Imaging analysis shows an extended X-ray source that coincides with the EUV emission as observed from EUI, and was imaged until the source grew to a size exceeding the STIX imaging limit (180″). Conclusions. Filament eruptions and associated CMEs have hot and non-thermal components, and the associated X-ray emissions are energetically significant. Our findings demonstrate that STIX combined with EUI provides a unique and powerful tool for examining the energetic properties of the CME component of solar energetic eruptions. Multi-viewpoint and multi-instrument observations are crucial for revealing such energetically significant sources in solar eruptions that might otherwise remain obscured.

Особенности функционирования аллегории в произведениях русской монашеской словесности XX века

The aim of the research is to present the main features of the functioning of allegory in the works of 20th-century Russian monastic writers. The paper examines Christian allegory as a specific tropeic phenomenon. The specificity of the use of Christian allegory lies in its orientation toward the culture-forming texts of the Bible; in its fixation in the didactic parts of the text dedicated to the salvation of the soul, spiritual perfection, the need to strive for virtue; in the authors’ appeal to allegorical images with stable interpretations embedded in the culture; in its concentration on allegories that are part of the established allegorical imagery corpus, which formed as Christian literature were developing. The central place in the work is occupied by the study of the representation of ideas important for church writers through allegory, the actualization of Christian meanings. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that it uses theolinguistic analysis to study the works of Russian monastic literature, indicates the stylistic functions of allegory in the ecclesiastical-religious style, and identifies the main features of the use of allegory. As a result, the following has been proved: when affirming thoughts related to the perniciousness of sins, authors resort to Christian allegories, using images of a swamp, abyss, net, thorns, tree branches, spiderwebs; when describing the life of a person and the path of a Christian, images of a ship, boat, sea, storm, and house are used; in reasoning about virtues, images of water, sun, and sky are chosen. There are several stylistic functions of allegory identified in the texts of monastic literature, such as pictorial, syndicating, emotive, prescriptive, meaning-forming, didactic, axiological. The features of the functional orientation of allegory in the works of monastic literature are as follows: the use with didactic religious-Christian goals, i.e., aversion from sin and encouragement to acquire virtues, strive for the salvation of the soul, moral perfection, spiritual alertness, and the cultivation of the inner person.

Solar nanoflares in different spectral ranges

Aims. The rates and other characteristics of solar nanoflares were measured for the same area of the Sun in different extreme-ultravioilet (EUV) channels to find how the main properties of nanoflares depend on the spectral range. Methods. We used images of the quiet Sun obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in seven spectral channels, 94 Å, 131 Å, 171 Å, 193 Å, 211 Å, 304 Å, and 335 Å. We analyzed 300 images for each AIA/SDO channel covering one hour from 12:00 UT to 13:00 UT on 20 May 2019 with a 12 s cadence. We searched for nanoflares in two 360″×720″ fields of view above (N) and below (S) the Sun’s equator to measure nanoflare latitudinal distributions and their N–S asymmetry. To detect nanoflares, we used a threshold-based algorithm with 5σ threshold. Results. The integral nanoflare rate measured in seven spectral ranges is 3.53 × 10−21 cm−1 s−1; the corresponding frequency is 215 events s−1 for the entire surface of the Sun. A search for nanoflares in any single AIA-channel leads to significant underestimation of their frequency and rate: 171 Å −34% of the total value; 193 Å −33%; 211 Å −24%; other channels – less than 16%. Most EUV nanoflares are single-pixel (∼78%) and mono-channel (∼86%) events. In channel 304 Å, multipixel events dominate over single-pixel events (68% vs. 32%). The average duration of nanoflares is in the range of (89 − 141)±(40 − 61) s depending on the spectral region with the mean value being 129 ± 59 s. The latitudinal distribution of nanoflares is approximately uniform in the range from 0° to 45° for all channels. We find a slight difference between the N and S hemispheres (up to 20% depending on channel), but we do not find it to be statistically significant. Conclusions. We demonstrate that solar nanoflares can be found in all AIA EUV channels. The detection probability strongly depends on the spectral range and the channels can be approximately ranked as follows (from high to low probability): 171 Å, 193 Å, 211 Å, 131 Å, 304 Å, 335 Å, and 94 Å. The first three channels, 171, 193, and 211 Å, allow the detection of ∼78% of all the nanoflares. The remaining four add only 22%. Other characteristics of nanoflares, including duration and spatial distribution, weakly depend on spectral range.

Tagyîr Mawdhî’ Inhirâf Qiblat al-Masjid fî Bamîkasân ‘alâ Asasi al-Tiknôlôjiyya al-Mutaqaddimah: al-Tahlîla al-Ijtimâ’î wa al-Tsaqafî

Reposition of wrongly-established qibla direction typically brings into controversy, particularly among takmir as the mosque officiants. However, what occured in Pamekasan shows different trends. This research therefore focuses on how the Pamekasan based takmir responded on the qibla direction reposition issue. It is a descriptive one based on qualitative data. The data was collected using interview to the takmir and participatory observation at the research locus. The obtained data was then sorted and systematically arranged for verification to draw a conclusion. The research comes to a conclusion that; first, the deviation of qibla direction on the research locus was caused by wrongly-determined direction in the initial mosque building process due to the ignorance of Islamic astronomy or so called ilmu falaq theories. The mistake was figured out trough verification on the sun image and qiblat direction application. Second; the reposition was initiated by takmir who firstly consulted with experts on Islamic law and falaq, made scientific investigation by rechecking the mosque qibla direction using advanced technology, then announced the process result to the mosque congregation, and made a deliberation forum before doing the reposition replacing the older with the more accurate and newer one. Third; takmirs’ perception on the mosque qibla reposition tends to be supporting rather than opposing.

The image of the national landscape in the short novel “Pilgrimage” by Ivan Shmelev

The purpose of the study is to examine the peculiarities of the artistic embodiment of the national landscape image in the short novel "Pilgrimage" by Ivan Sergeevich Shmelev, a writer of the first half of the 20th century. The relevance of the study is determined by the apparently growing interest of modern literary and scientific circles in the rich creative heritage of the writer, the desire to reveal the originality, uniqueness and singularity of his talent, the versatility of the artistic world. The research methods used were descriptive, interpretative and biographical. The results of the literary analysis show that the image of the national landscape presented in the "Pilgrimage" by I. S. Shmelev has a two-dimensional structure, combining realistic and ideal levels. This is explained by the peculiarity of children's view of the world, as the image of nature is given through the prism of the child protagonist’s point of view. The treatment of the theme of the native landscape is based on the motif of beauty, updated in the setting of the young hero's admiration for the uniqueness, charm and elegance of the surrounding world. The author's discourse, included in the text, brings to the narrative features of idealisation, associated with the motif of memories of a bygone childhood and a homeland lost in social cataclysms. The image of Russian nature in "Pilgrimage" develops the motifs of silence, peace, joy, joyful admiration of nature, wonder, fairy tale and spirituality. The leitmotifs in the poetics of the work are the landscape images of sun, light, dazzling brilliance, which converge with the motif of joy and the image of "golden" childhood. In "Pilgrimage", the dominant colour is the rose-gold, white and blue scale, which shades the idea of the sacredness of God's world and echoes nostalgic motifs. The symbolic images of Easter and the motif of Easter joy introduce the theme of eternal life, salvation and resurrection into the text.

Retrieval of Interior Structure of Asteroids with the Low-Frequency Telescope DART

Understanding the internal structure of asteroids is crucial for deciphering their formation and establishing defenses against potential hazards. The Daocheng Radio Telescope (DART), a recently constructed interferometric array designed for low-frequency Sun imaging, presents a promising tool for probing asteroid interiors. With a substantial 1-km array aperture and an equivalent receiving area of approximately 8,850 m 2 , DART plays a vital role in diagnosing asteroid internal structures. This study introduces an electromagnetic wave scattering model tailored to asteroids within DART’s operational frequency range (150 to 450 MHz). Ground-based radar detection can unveil multiple facets of these celestial bodies by leveraging low-frequency waves’ penetrating capabilities and capitalizing on asteroids’ rotational dynamics. Through simulations capturing the characteristics of low-frequency waves traversing a layered model and interacting with internal structures, we propose an electromagnetic scattering model of asteroids. Our results underscore DART’s potential as a crucial instrument for discerning the internal structure of near-Earth objects. We first formulate an asteroid model through celestial impact models, dimensional analysis, and data fitting to achieve this. Subsequently, we derive an electromagnetic scattering model using geometric optics and a propagation model for lossy mediums. Simulations demonstrate that morphology and internal structure dictate the distribution of scattered waves, with forward and backscattered waves providing comprehensive internal structure information over a rotation cycle. Furthermore, we observe that alterations in electromagnetic wave frequency induce changes in the scattering characteristics, prompting the convenience of employing multiple frequencies for retrieving detailed information about an asteroid’s internal medium and structure. This multidimensional approach positions DART as a promising asset in advancing our understanding of asteroid interiors, offering valuable insights for scientific inquiry and hazard mitigation strategies.

Verbal Coding of the Sun in Riddles

The paper aims at providing a comparative research of how the enigmatic spirit of riddles manifests itself when various conceptions serve to describe the Sunin Ukrainian and English traditions. The three-component cosmonym coding analysis in riddles implies the decoding of the SUN image concerning its attributive, predicative, and nominative aspects. The explicit and/or implicit manifestations of the attributive and predicative characteristics are considered to constitute the core of the SUN concept in the consciousness of Ukrainian and English language speakers. In most Ukrainian and English riddles, the description of the SUN is most frequently based on the conceptions of its round shape, unreachable location, and the main function – to shine.

Between the Rain and the Sun: Love and Society in “A Rainy Day”, by Eça de Queiroz

This article aims to analyze and interpret “A Rainy Day”, a posthumous short story by Eça de Queiroz, based on critical suggestions made by Antonio Candido. It is proposed that the polar images of rain and sun, whose competition was duly suggested by the critic as a structural principle of the narrative, symbolize the feelings of frustration and hope on two different levels. In this sense, these poles represent tensions relating to the theme of love, on the general level of human emotions, and relating to the process of modernization, on the particular level of the historical context of 19th century Portuguese society. And the unity between these two different levels would be provided by the worldview manifested in the author’s composition of the work, which is both romantic and progressive.

First perihelion of EUI on the Solar Orbiter mission

Context. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on board Solar Orbiter consists of three telescopes: the two High Resolution Imagers, in EUV (HRIEUV) and in Lyman-α (HRILya), and the Full Sun Imager (FSI). Solar Orbiter/EUI started its Nominal Mission Phase on 2021 November 27. Aims. Our aim is to present the EUI images from the largest scales in the extended corona off-limb down to the smallest features at the base of the corona and chromosphere. EUI is therefore a key instrument for the connection science that is at the heart of the Solar Orbiter mission science goals. Methods. The highest resolution on the Sun is achieved when Solar Orbiter passes through the perihelion part of its orbit. On 2022 March 26, Solar Orbiter reached, for the first time, a distance to the Sun close to 0.3 au. No other coronal EUV imager has been this close to the Sun. Results. We review the EUI data sets obtained during the period 2022 March–April, when Solar Orbiter quickly moved from alignment with the Earth (2022 March 6), to perihelion (2022 March 26), to quadrature with the Earth (2022 March 29). We highlight the first observational results in these unique data sets and we report on the in-flight instrument performance. Conclusions. EUI has obtained the highest resolution images ever of the solar corona in the quiet Sun and polar coronal holes. Several active regions were imaged at unprecedented cadences and sequence durations. We identify in this paper a broad range of features that require deeper studies. Both FSI and HRIEUV operated at design specifications, but HRILya suffered from performance issues near perihelion. We conclude by emphasizing the EUI open data policy and encouraging further detailed analysis of the events highlighted in this paper.

Beyond the disk: EUV coronagraphic observations of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager on board Solar Orbiter

Context. Most observations of the solar corona beyond 2 R⊙ consist of broadband visible light imagery carried out with coronagraphs. The associated diagnostics mainly consist of kinematics and derivations of the electron number density. While the measurement of the properties of emission lines can provide crucial additional diagnostics of the coronal plasma (temperatures, velocities, abundances, etc.), these types of observations are comparatively rare. In visible wavelengths, observations at these heights are limited to total eclipses. In the ultraviolet (UV) to extreme UV (EUV) range, very few additional observations have been achieved since the pioneering results of the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS). Aims. One of the objectives of the Full Sun Imager (FSI) channel of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on board the Solar Orbiter mission has been to provide very wide field-of-view EUV diagnostics of the morphology and dynamics of the solar atmosphere in temperature regimes that are typical of the lower transition region and of the corona. Methods. FSI carries out observations in two narrowbands of the EUV spectrum centered on 17.4 nm and 30.4 nm that are dominated, respectively, by lines of FeIX/X (formed in the corona around 1 MK) and by the resonance line of He II (formed around 80 kK in the lower transition region). Unlike previous EUV imagers, FSI includes a moveable occulting disk that can be inserted in the optical path to reduce the amount of instrumental stray light to a minimum. Results. FSI detects signals at 17.4 nm up to the edge of its field of view (7 R⊙), which is about twice further than was previously possible. Operation at 30.4 nm are for the moment compromised by an as-yet unidentified source of stray light. Comparisons with observations by the LASCO and Metis coronagraphs confirm the presence of morphological similarities and differences between the broadband visible light and EUV emissions, as documented on the basis of prior eclipse and space-based observations. Conclusions. The very-wide-field observations of FSI out to about 3 and 7 R⊙, without and with the occulting disk, respectively, are paving the way for future dedicated instruments.

Sunspot Detection Using YOLOv5 in Spectroheliograph H-Alpha Images

Solar activity has been subject to increasingly more research in the last decades. Its influence on life on Earth is now better understood. Solar winds impact the earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. They can disrupt satellite communication and navigation tools and even electrical power grids and several other infrastructure crucial for our technology-based society. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar energetic particles, and flares are the main causes of problems that affect the systems mentioned. It is possible to predict some of those by monitoring the sun and analyzing the images obtained in different spectra, thus identifying solar phenomena related to its activity, such as filaments, pores, and sunspots. Several studies have already been carried out on the subject of automation of the mentioned analysis, most of which use neural networks and other machine learning approaches. In this work, we develop a method for sunspot detection based on the YOLOv5 network, applying it to a dataset of images from the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra (OGAUC), which has one of the oldest and more complete datasets of sun images in the world. Our method reaches mAP@.5 over 90% with YOLOv5s, which is higher than other methods previously applied for the same dataset. This shows that CNN models can be used in spectroheliographs for detecting and tracking sunspots.

The Lowworld in the Lyrics of O.E. Mandelstam: Comments on the Topiс

This article is a commentary on the topic “the lowworld” in the lyrics of O.E. Mandelstam. The closeness of the afterlife to the lyrical hero of the poet is confirmed. The images related to the underground kingdom of the dead are analyzed: toad (“There are disgusting toads here...”), Erebus (“I see a stone sky...”). Their connection with Greek mythology is revealed. Additions concerning the semantics of the image of the swallow-daughter and the boat in the poem “What the grasshopper-clock sings...” are made, in particular, an interpretation of the stanza is proposed, which is an alternative interpretation of the poem made by K. Taranovsky. A commentary is given on Levin’s interpretation of some lines of the poem “Megan”. Parallels to the image of the black sun are added (from ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek myths). Generalizations concerning the image of the black sun and the image of bees are made. The result of the study shows that the motif of going down of the lyrical hero into the underworld is the dominant and determining one for the mythological layer of O.E. Mandelstam’s lyrics.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Image Processing Algorithm for Mechanical Properties Testing of High-Temperature Materials Based on Time-Frequency Analysis

We, the Editor and Publisher of the Journal Of Experimental Nanoscience, have retracted the following article, which is part of the Special Issue titled Adaptive Nanotechnology for Environmental Sustainability: Dong Sun & Yong Wei (2023) Image processing algorithm for mechanical properties testing of hightemperature materials based on time‐frequency analysis, Journal of Experimental Nanoscience, 18:1, DOI: 10.1080/17458080.2023.2170357 Following publication, concerns were raised about the peer review and decision‐making processes for this special issue. After an investigation by the Taylor & Francis Publishing Ethics & Integrity team, in full cooperation with the Editor‐in‐Chief, it was confirmed that the article was not reviewed appropriately, in line with the Journal’s peer review standards and policy. As the stringency of the peer review process is core to the integrity of the publication process, the Editor and Publisher have decided to retract the article. The authors have been informed of this decision. We have been informed in our decision‐making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines. The retracted articles will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but they will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.

Flares detected in ALMA single-dish images of the Sun

Context. The millimeter and submillimeter radiation of solar flares is poorly understood. Without spatial resolution, millimeter emission cannot be easily compared to flare emission in other wavelengths. Though the Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA) offers sufficient resolution for the first time, ALMA cannot be used on demand to observe when a flare occurs, and when used as an interferometer, its field of view is smaller than an active region. Aims. We used readily available large-scale single-dish ALMA observations of solar millimeter flares and compared them to well-known features observed in other wavelengths. The properties of these other flare emissions, correlating in space and time, could then be used to interpret the millimeter brightenings and vice versa. The aim is to obtain reliable associations limited by the time and space resolution of single-dish observations. Methods. Ordinary interferometric ALMA observations require single-dish images of the full Sun for calibration. We collected such observations at 3 mm and 1 mm and searched for millimeter brightenings during times listed in a flare catalog. Results. All of the flares left a signature in millimeter waves. We found five events with nine or more images that could be used for comparison in time and space. The millimeter brightenings are associated with a variety of flare features in cool (Hα, 304 Å), intermediate (171 Å), and hot (94 Å) lines. In several cases, the millimeter brightening peaked at the footpoint of a hot flare loop. In other cases the peak of the millimeter brightening coincided with the top or footpoint of an active Hα filament. We also found correlations with post-flare loops and the tops of a hot loop. In some images, the millimeter radiation peaked at locations where no feature in the selected lines was found. Conclusions. The wide field of view provided by the single-dish ALMA observations allowed for a complete overview of the flare activity in millimeter waves for the first time. The associated phenomena often changed in type and location during the flare. The variety of phenomena detected in these millimeter observations may explain the sometimes bewildering behavior of millimeter flare emissions previously observed without spatial resolution.

The Mediating Effect of Satisfaction on the Relationship between Destination Image and Behavioral Intention of Sun and Beach Tourism in the Island Garden City of Samal

The Mediating Effect of Satisfaction on the Relationship between Destination Image and Behavioral Intention of Sun and Beach Tourism in the Island Garden City of Samal

Coronal mass ejection followed by a prominence eruption and a plasma blob as observed by Solar Orbiter

Context. On 2021 February 12, two subsequent eruptions occurred above the western limb of the Sun, as seen along the Sun-Earth line. The first event was a typical slow coronal mass ejection (CME), followed ∼7 h later by a smaller and collimated prominence eruption, originating south of the CME, followed by a plasma blob. These events were observed not only by the SOHO and STEREO-A missions, but also by the suite of remote-sensing instruments on board Solar Orbiter. Aims. We show how data acquired by the Full Sun Imager (FSI), the Metis coronagraph, and the Heliospheric Imager (HI) from the Solar Orbiter perspective can be combined to study the eruptions and different source regions. Moreover, we show how Metis data can be analyzed to provide new information about solar eruptions. Methods. Different 3D reconstruction methods were applied to the data acquired by different spacecraft, including remote-sensing instruments on board Solar Orbiter. Images acquired by the two Metis channels in the visible light (VL) and H I Ly-α line (UV) were combined to derive physical information about the expanding plasma. The polarization ratio technique was also applied for the first time to Metis images acquired in the VL channel. Results. The two eruptions were followed in 3D from their source region to their expansion in the intermediate corona. By combining VL and UV Metis data, the formation of a post-CME current sheet (CS) was followed for the first time in the intermediate corona. The plasma temperature gradient across a post-CME blob propagating along the CS was also measured for the first time. Application of the polarization ratio technique to Metis data shows that by combining four different polarization measurements, the errors are reduced by ∼5 − 7%. This constrains the 3D plasma distribution better.

Initiation elements of the folklore plot “procurement of a girl”

The topicality of the research is determined by the need for a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian people’s worldview based on the analysis of the folklore and traditions. The current state of folklore and traditions has absorbed information from different historical times, but their comparison allows us to identify the foundations of the Ukrainians’ worldview.
 The purpose of this research is to find the ritual motives that formed the basis of the “procurement of a girl” plot based on the Slavs’ traditions and to find the place for this plot in the calendar-ritual cycle.
 The methodology. The article analyzes spring and wedding motifs within the folklore plot “procurement of a girl” and searches for the place of the corresponding ritual in the calendar-ritual cycle. The paper focuses on the typical formulas used in the respective songs, and focuses on initiation and solar bases of the plot.
 The results. Solar symbols of the plot “procurement of a girl” were identified: the Zori bathing in the form of a sun reflection, the meeting of the dawn by a girl under a pine tree with an allegorical ignition of a tree, the swimming in the Danube is a sunset allegory, the Cossacks movement coincides with the sun movement, the horse is a solar sign. The initiation character of the plot “procurement of a girl” was clarified: a journey through a disordered world, a comparison of the pine tree burning with the image of a bride, the ritual use of the magical time (dawn) and the ritual use of the magical bathing water. Among the ceremonial events of the spring period, Ivan Kupala holiday was chosen as the basis for comparison with plot peculiarities. It is shown that only this holiday combines spring and wedding ceremonies and traditions. It is concluded that an important element of the initiation rite is the horse used as the Sun image and a carrier through the afterlife, so the movement of Cossacks on horseback from the Don to home was a solar symbol. It is shown that within the specified plot at the initiation time the girl is alone and needs help at dawn from the Sun and from the groom-Cossack, who is waiting for the ceremony end. 
 The scientific novelty of this research is to clarify the place in the calendar-ritual cycle of events that took place within the “procurement of a girl” plot. It is established that the archaic solar marriage ceremony took place during the summer solstice, and later had divided into Ivan Kupala holiday and wedding ceremonies.
 The practical results of this research are the separation of archaic Easter plots (for the spring equinox) such as “Podolianochky” from Kupala plots such as “procurement of a girl”. A more detailed comparison of the last plot with Kupala traditions allowed to restore the ritual actions dramaturgy of the archaic solar marriage.

Prominence eruption observed in He II 304 Å up to >6 R⊙ by EUI/FSI aboard Solar Orbiter

Aims. We report observations of a unique, large prominence eruption that was observed in the He II 304 Å passband of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager/Full Sun Imager telescope aboard Solar Orbiter on 15–16 February 2022. Methods. Observations from several vantage points – Solar Orbiter, the Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and Earth-orbiting satellites – were used to measure the kinematics of the erupting prominence and the associated coronal mass ejection. Three-dimensional reconstruction was used to calculate the deprojected positions and speeds of different parts of the prominence. Observations in several passbands allowed us to analyse the radiative properties of the erupting prominence. Results. The leading parts of the erupting prominence and the leading edge of the corresponding coronal mass ejection propagate at speeds of around 1700 km s−1 and 2200 km s−1, respectively, while the trailing parts of the prominence are significantly slower (around 500 km s−1). Parts of the prominence are tracked up to heights of over 6 R⊙. The He II emission is probably produced via collisional excitation rather than scattering. Surprisingly, the brightness of a trailing feature increases with height. Conclusions. The reported prominence is the first observed in He II 304 Å emission at such a great height (above 6 R⊙).

Contextual Information Modulates Pupil Size in Autistic Children.

Recent Bayesian models suggest that perception is more “data-driven” and less dependent on contextual information in autistic individuals than others. However, experimental tests of this hypothesis have given mixed results, possibly due to the lack of objectivity of the self-report methods typically employed. Here we introduce an objective no-report paradigm based on pupillometry to assess the processing of contextual information in autistic children, together with a comparison clinical group. After validating in neurotypical adults a child-friendly pupillometric paradigm, in which we embedded test images within an animation movie that participants watched passively, we compared pupillary response to images of the sun and meaningless control images in children with autism vs. age- and IQ-matched children presenting developmental disorders unrelated to the autistic spectrum. Both clinical groups showed stronger pupillary constriction for the sun images compared with control images, like the neurotypical adults. However, there was no detectable difference between autistic children and the comparison group, despite a significant difference in pupillary light responses, which were enhanced in the autistic group. Our report introduces an objective technique for studying perception in clinical samples and children. The lack of statistically significant group differences in our tests suggests that autistic children and the comparison group do not show large differences in perception of these stimuli. This opens the way to further studies testing contextual processing at other levels of perception.