Small CME event (October 23, 2009)

Hi-res TIF image (5.3M)

Quicktime Movie: Large ( 16M), Medium (3.5M), Small (1.0M)
MPEG Movie (4.4M)

SOHO observed a small coronal mass ejection (CME) that was aimed at Earth (Oct. 17-18, 2009). The event created a dimming or darkening effect around the active region (whiter area) as it blew solar material both out into space and across the lower portion of the Sun. Because the Sun has been so quiet over the past two years, we have not seen very many CMEs, even small ones. Days later, the Earth seemed to have experienced only minor effects from the solar storm seen in the form of some aurora on Oct. 23.

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.