A Solar Filament Lifts Off
Explanation:
Hot gas frequently erupts from the Sun.
One such eruption produced the glowing filament
pictured above, which was captured in 2000 July by the Earth-orbiting
TRACE satellite.
The filament, although small compared to the overall size of the
Sun, measures over 100,000 kilometers in height,
so that the entire
Earth could easily fit
into its outstretched arms.
Gas in the filament is funneled by the complex and changing
magnetic field of the Sun.
After
lifting off from the
Sun's surface, most of the
filamentary gas will eventually fall back.
More powerful
solar eruptions
emit particles that reach the Earth and
can disrupt manmade satellites.
The cause and nature of
solar eruptions are the topic of much research.
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.
