Yes we could, because only during a total solar eclipse can we see the inner corona. During a total solar eclipse, we can study the way events that begin in the lowest layer of the Sun's atmosphere (photosphere) move upward and affect the upper layers (chromosphere and corona). Solar scientists want to know why the corona is so hot. Studying the way the different layers of the atmosphere behave could answer that question.

When the moon blocks out the Sun during an eclipse, it's easier to see the faint corona around the Sun, as Dr. Adams explained. One way to think of it is that, just like it's easier to see the corona around the Sun with your eyes during an eclipse, it's also easier to see it with telescopes. Those telescopes can measure all the different temperatures present in the corona, and can also measure the speed at which the hot plasma is moving, to try to find out what is heating it.