Astronomy Picture of the Day

An Erupting Solar Prominence from SOHO


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zorg.ch
#91515 by @ 08.08.2006 00:00 - nach oben -
An Erupting Solar Prominence from SOHO

Explanation: Our Sun is still very active. In the year 2000, our Sun went though Solar Maximum, the time in its 11-year cycle where the most sunspots and explosive activities occur. Sunspots, the Solar Cycle, and solar prominences are all caused by the Sun's changing magnetic field. Pictured above is a solar prominence that erupted in 2002 July, throwing electrons and ions out into the Solar System. The above image was taken in the ultraviolet light emitted by a specific type of ionized helium, a common element on the Sun. Particularly hot areas appear in white, while relatively cool areas appear in red. Our Sun should gradually quiet down until Solar Minimum occurs, and the Sun is most quiet. No one can precisely predict when Solar Minimum will occur, although some signs indicate that it has started already!

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zorg.ch
#114226 by @ 17.11.2014 23:27 - nach oben -
flambée
zorg.ch
#114218 by @ 08.10.2014 19:12 - nach oben -
holy sun... iidrücklich!
zorg.ch
#114220 by @ 09.10.2014 19:04 - nach oben -
brötlät jo scho no gad chli ine!