Slip-Slidin' Plasma (June 8, 2007)

Hi-res TIF image (3.9M)

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Once again we get to observe solar plasma sliding and zipping along above the edge of the Sun (May 30-31, 2007). With STEREO we are receiving an image every few minutes from each instrument, giving us detailed close-up views of smooth motion. The focal point of this activity was an active region rotating into view when we zoomed in on its action for about 2 days. An active region, an area of intense magnetic forces, is driving a lot of the activity we see. The plasma is being controlled by powerful magnetic forces that guide the material back into the Sun.

The frames were taken in extreme ultraviolet light at 304 Angstroms from the Behind spacecraft. In fact, we are viewing ionized helium at about 60,000 degrees C., rising thousands of miles above the Sun's surface.

Credit: NASA/STEREO/Naval Research Laboratory

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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.