The solar corona has recently been revealed as the connection between the Sun and the Earth. Observations from the 10 instruments on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) now aloft are showing the flow of material from the Sun to the Earth in unprecedented detail. Further, data from the total solar eclipses of 26 February 1998 and 11 August 1999 will be used to study the cause of the heating of the solar corona and will be linked to space observations from SOHO and from the Yohkoh x-ray solar satellite. We discuss theoretical aspects and observational techniques, and will make solar observations. Students will meet weekly with the professor in groups of two or three to discuss readings, solve problems, present short papers, and/or make observations. Evaluation will be based on the submitted material and on tutorial participation, as well as on a final paper. Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 (or Astronomy 101 and either 102 or 104 with permission) and a 200-level Physics or Astronomy course. This course is writing intensive.