Where's the Action? (April 15, 2011)

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When we superimpose the Sun itself in extreme UV light from SDO with a SOHO coronagraph (showing solar storms bursting through the Sun's outer atmosphere), we do create a bit of a disconnect (Apr. 10-12, 2011). We see a number of active regions (they appear as whiter areas), with one observable eruption on the Sun early on the 10th. Yet, what is the source of the later outburst of plasma? A reasonable explanation is that there was a solar storm near the Sun?s right edge, barely visible in this wavelength (171 Angstroms) and from SDO?s point of view, but discernable in the dimming that occurs inside the circle as shown in the 195 Angstrom wavelength taken by the STEREO (Ahead) spacecraft late on the 11th. Yes, there are many things and many ways to keep an eye on with the Sun.

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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.