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Credit & Copyright: NASA
Solar Dynamics Observatory
Explanation:
This week the Sun
gave up its strongest solar flare so far in 2013,
accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed toward planet Earth.
A false-color composite image in extreme ultraviolet light
from the
Solar Dynamics Observatory
captures the moment, recorded on April 11 at 0711 UTC.
The flash, a moderate,
M6.5 class
flare erupting from
active region AR 11719, is near the center of the solar disk.
Other active regions, areas of intense magnetic fields
seen as sunspot groups
in visible light, mottle the surface as the
solar maximum approaches.
Loops and arcs of glowing plasma trace the active regions'
magnetic field lines.
A massive cloud of energetic, charged particles, the
CME will impact
the Earth's magnetosphere by this weekend
and skywatchers should be on the
alert for auroral displays.
gave up its strongest solar flare so far in 2013, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed toward planet Earth. A false-color composite image in extreme ultraviolet light from the
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: solar flare - extreme ultraviolet
Publications with words: solar flare - extreme ultraviolet
See also: