Energy Waves (February 13, 2009)

On occasion, solar events on the Sun can trigger energy waves across much of its surface. STEREO (Behind) observed three of these waves on Feb. 8, 2009. They all originated from one active region that had just come into view of the spacecraft (which would not be able to be observed from Earth). Two waves of lighter material can be seen spreading to the right across part of the Sun's face, early in the day, with another fainter wave following a small outburst near the end of the day. Energetic motion and interconnections can be seen in the active region the entire time. All of these events were accompanied by radio bursts detected by the STEREO WAVES instrument. This same active region blew out a small (B-class) flare on Feb. 11.

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.