This LASCO C2 image shows a very large coronal mass ejection(CME) blasting off into space on 2 December 2002.  It presents the classic shape of a CME:  a large bulbous front with a second,more compact, inner core of hot plasma. This material erupts away from the Sun at speeds of one to two millionsmiles (or km) per hour.

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• Full-size image [JPG, 1.5M]
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