CMEs Movin' Out (January 5, 2007)

Just as 2006 was about to end, the Sun decided to blast out two more CMEs, perhaps as a symbol of New Year's revelry. At any rate, in the span of 24 hours (Dec. 30-31, 2006), two separate CMEs blew out to the right of the Sun at close to identical locations. The first event was a good-sized solar storm with a classical, expanding bulbous shape.

The second, smaller event was more linear and directional as it left the Sun. Incidentally, Mercury can once again (remember its transit in November?) be seen as the bright object slowly passing from left to right below the Sun. This coming year should see the Sun's activity level hit the bottom of the last solar cycle (if it hasn't already) and begin its climb back to higher levels in the new cycle.

SOHO began its Weekly Pick some time after sending a weekly image or video clip to the American Museum of Natural History (Rose Center) in New York City. There, the SOHO Weekly Pick is displayed with some annotations on a large plasma display.

If your institution would also like to receive the same Weekly Pick from us for display (usually in Photoshop or QuickTime format), please send your inquiry to steele.hill@gsfc.nasa.gov.