Out-of-ecliptic studies of coronal holes and their relation to the solar wind

The advantages of observing coronal holes of the sun above the solar ecliptic plane by a solar probe are discussed. Also discussed are the size of coronal holes, their temperature, and magnetic fields associated with the holes. The role of coronal holes in contributing to the solar wind is examined. Data and observations on coronal holes from Skylab and OSO are treated. It is concluded that an out-of-the-ecliptic solar probe mission would greatly add to the understanding of coronal holes (at high latitudes) thus adding a new perspective to the observation of these phenomena. (Photographs of the sun taken by Skylab are shown).