Solar Magnetic Bananas
Explanation:
Is that our
Sun? The unusual
banana-shaped loops
shown above are actually part of a
computer-generated snap-shot of our
Sun's magnetic field.
This animated frame was constructed using
data from the ground-based U.S.
Solar Vector Magnetograph and the
space-based Japanese X-Ray Telescope
Yohkoh. Surfaces of constant
magnetic field strength loop through the
Sun's corona, break through the
Sun's surface, and connect regions of magnetic activity such as
sunspots.
Recently,
contact has been interrupted with the Sun-watching
SOHO satellite.
Although SOHO had completed its two year mission,
attempts are still being made to re-establish communication.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
