NLTE spectral analyses of high-gravity central stars by means of state-of-the-art model atmosphere techniques provide information about the precursor AGB stars. The hydrogen-deficient post-AGB stars allow investigations on the intershell matter which is apparently exhibited at the stellar surface. We summarize recent results from imaging, spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry.

The evolution of central stars of planetary nebulae can proceed in several distinct ways, either leading to H-deficiency or to H-normal surface composition. Several new simulations of the evolution channels that lead to H-deficiency are now available, mainly the born-again scenarios that are triggered by a He-shell flash during the hot pre-white dwarf evolution phase. A realistic AGB progenitor evolution is important for correct HRD tracks, that allow mass determinations. New hydrodynamic simulations of He-shell flash convection including cases with H-ingestion are now performed, and allow a determination of the convective extra-mixing efficiency. This has direct consequences for the intershell abundance distribution of AGB stars that can be observed in the H-deficient CSPN.

The alpha elements O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, Cl, and Ar are produced together in massive stars and their abundances are expected to evolve in lockstep. Both H II regions and planetary nebulae serve as interstellar probes of alpha element abundances. We have measured abundances for the alpha elements O, Ne, S, Cl, and Ar in over 130 Galactic Types I and II and halo PNe in a consistent manner from our own optical (3600–9600Å) spectra (Henry, Kwitter, & Balick 2004). Figure 1 is a plot of Ne vs. O for a combined dataset containing H II regions, blue compact galaxies, and our sample of planetary nebulae. All object types appear to be consistent with the expected linear relation between Ne and O. Similar plots of Cl and Ar vs. O show the same behavior. However, S vs. O is an exception.

We use UVES spectroscopy of PB 6 to study the variation of its physical conditions as a function of position including: temperature, density, chemical composition and velocity. We present preliminary results from this work. In particular we want to find the relevance of the contribution of the wind from the central star to the chemical composition of the nebula; we find that the contamination due to the WR wind is small.

Five flare/CME events were selected in this study. One is on May 12, 1997, for which there is only two active regions on the visible solar disc, and the magnetic configuration is rather simple. For other cases, many active regions were visible. They are the flare/CME events that occurred on Bastille Day of 2000, Oct. 28, 2003, Nov. 7, 2004 and Jan. 20, 2005. By tracing the spread of EUV dimming, which was obtained by SOHO/EIT 195 Å fixed-difference images, we studied the CME initiation and development on the solar disc. At the same time we reconstructed the 3D magnetic structure of coronal magnetic fields, extrapolated from the observed photospheric magnetograms by SOHO/MDI. In scrutinizing the EUV brightening and dimming propagation from CME initiation sites to large areas with different magnetic connectivities, we determine the overall coupling and interacting of multiple flux systems in the CME processes. Several typical patterns of magnetic connectivity are described and discussed in the view of CME initiation mechanism or mechanisms.

The Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) was launched into a Sun-synchronous orbit in January 2003. Its mission objective is to detect and track coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun in order to improve space weather forecasts. In the three years since launch, over 200 CMEs, about 30 of which were Earth-directed, have been observed by SMEI. We have been able to track several of these CMEs from the SOHO LASCO coronagraphs ($<$8$^\circ$ from the Sun) through the SMEI field of view ($>$20$^\circ$) out to 0.5 AU and beyond, and to observe the morphology and evolution of distinctive features over this wide distance range. We report on comparisons of measurements of CME parameters made in the inner heliosphere with the more typical measurements made nearer the Sun with coronagraphs. We illustrate SMEI's capabilities and present key statistical results on basic CME parameters and the use of SMEI-type data in space weather forecasting models. For example, timely observations by SMEI of CMEs en route to Earth could be input to DoD's operational Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry solar wind model to correct or refine its real-time forecasts of approaching disturbances.

The European Grid of Solar Observations (EGSO) is a Solar virtual observatory (see Hill et al., 2002). It has been funded through the 5th Framework Program of the European Community. A dozen of laboratories, mixing Solar Physics and Information Technology, in Great Britain, France, Italy and Swiss have been involved in this project during 3 years. A grid accessing several dozens of databases and archives scattered all around the world has been developped as well as a Solar Event Catalogue and a Solar Feature Catalogue. The original aspect of this work consists in the possibility not only to search through the characteristics of observations, but also search for available data corresponding to specific kinds of events. So it is now very important to be able to follow the Sun 24 hours a day in order to enrich the events database for future queries. More informations on EGSO, catalogues and user interface can be accessd through the web site: http://www.egso.org/

Ellerman bombs or moustache are known as short-living fine emission structures associated with a local energy release in solar atmosphere. The relation between the moustaches and flare has been discussed since the moment of the moustaches discovery. The resent results of the Flare Genesis Experiment demonstrated that this problem is still actual and attractive. We took into account the possibility of different mechanisms of their origin (thermal and non-thermal) by using spectro polarimetric data obtained in summer 1999 and carried out analysis of Ellerman bomb's role in flare activity of the Sun by the example of the several active regions.

A pinhole camera has the advantage of undistorted field of view. Its imaging capability is limited by random (diffraction and atmospheric seeing) and systematic (penumbra) effects. The Pinhole Solar Monitor, PSM, measures the solar angular diameter by timing meridian transits. Meridian transits have been videorecorded with UTC synchronization at the pinhole gnomon of Santa Maria degli Angeli church in Rome. The tarature of this Clementine Gnomon is outlined with its accuracy as PSM. On the Moon an array of such PSM equipped with 1000 lines for parallel transits can monitor 0.1” variations of solar diameter.

A brief overview of upcoming total solar eclipses in 2008–2010 is presented. Global maps illustrate the geographic region of visibility for each eclipse. In addition, preliminary weather prospects are discussed.

It was performed a study of the North-South asymmetry of the magnetic field distribution by comparison of the temporal behavior of long and short term variabilities of the photospheric field at the same latitudes in opposit hemispheres using WSO data sets covered the interval from 1976 to 2005.

The dissipative model of Solar Magnetic Cycle (SMC) is discussed. According to this conception, at the beginning of each odd 11-yr cycle, a large-scale dissipative magnetic structure is formed in the convective zone of the Sun, as a result of complex nonlinear interaction between magnetic field and turbulent plasma velocity field. During the 22-yr cycle, this large-scale magnetic structure evolves through the convective “envelope” and atmosphere of the Sun. Two main effects determine the process: i) diffusion of magnetic field and ii) $\omega$-effect: the conversion of poloidal magnetic field into toroidal one due to the differential rotation.

Time-distance helioseismology and data from SOHO/MDI are used for obtaining 3D images of subsurface sound-speed perturbations and maps of plasma flows, associated with emerging magnetic flux and flaring activity of large active regions in October 2003. The results reveal extremely complicated dynamical processes in the upper convection zone and indicate that subsurface shear flows may play an important role in magnetic energy release in solar flares. Strong X-class flares generated impulsive seismic waves (“sunquakes”), traveling through surrounding sunspots, thus providing new insight into the interaction of seismic waves with magnetic fields.

Spectropolarimetric methods used at the Sayan Solar Observatory for measuring magnetic field strengths are described. The spectropolarimeter consists of a polarization splitter and a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) modulator, allowing for several longitudinal H measurement modes. The report discusses advantages and disadvantages of modulation-based and modulationless measurements using ordinary slow CCD cameras. In some cases combined variants appear to be preferable.

Within the framework of the two-layer model the expression for the reflection coefficients of Alfven (torsion) waves propagated from the chromosphere into the corona have been obtained. As a result of reflection the energetic losses of waves with a period less than several tens of seconds are about 70%. This shows evidence in favor of the essential contribution of Alfven waves with a period of 10–40 s to coronal heating of the Sun.

The main aim of this research is to make direct comparison between the basic structure and dynamics of the photospheric magnetic field, solar wind and geomagnetic characteristics without using theoretical assumptions. The heliospheric and geomagnetic data are found to be divided into two groups characterized by their response to the variability of the latitudinal structures of the photospheric field on short and on long time scales.

The problem of isotropization of energetic protons in the $H_\alpha$ emitting region during flare energy release is considered. It has been shown that absence of the linear polarization of $H_\alpha$ emission in some events can be caused by excitation of small scale Alfven waves by anisotropic protons. Consequences of the proposed model are discussed.

Supergranules are observed in the high photosphere as large convection eddies with horizontal diverging flows from the cell centre and subsiding flows at the cell borders.

We extrapolated observed photospheric magnetic field before the 3B/X1.2 flare occurred in NOAA 10486 on 2003 October 26. Two magnetic null points exist above the active region, which have no crucial role in triggering the flare, even though enhanced TRACE EUV/UV emission was observed before the main flare due to magnetic reconnection near the lower-altitude null point. We conclude that this flare results from the loss of equilibrium due to persistent flux emergence and photospheric motion, and strong shear. The accompanying fast CME with velocity of $\sim$ 800 km $s^{-1}$ shows quick mass pickup and energy increase in the low corona. Its kinetic energy is always larger than its potential energy.

After summarizing the geometric relationship of the RHESSI flare X-ray sources with the TRACE flare loops, and the motion modes of RHESSI flare X-ray sources, we concentrate on the newly discovered downward motion of flare looptop X-ray source. In particular, we present a new argument for the flare loop shrinkage during the impulsive phase: TRACE 195 Å loop shrinkage. The temporal behavior of 195 Å loop shrinkage and its magnitude are consistent with that revealed from the RHESSI X-ray sources. Further study shows that the TRACE 195 Å loop shrinkage is in the form of oscillation, with a period of about 150 s and an amplitude of about 300 km. We discuss this oscillatory shrinkage with respect to a numerical simulation of reconnection model.