Smooth Streaming (September 28, 2007)

One of the STEREO spacecraft (Behind) observed an elongated loop that emerges and then disperses over a two-day period (September 22-23, 2007). This immense structure is generated by magnetic forces rooted inside the Sun. Observed in the 304 Angstrom wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light, it rises up, takes shape, hovers, then gradually and gracefully breaks away from the magnetic forces that held it in place. Its complex twisting and writhing show the complexities of the Sun's magnetic field and are exciting clues for scientists trying to understand and predict solar activity. At its greatest extension it reached about 250,000 miles (400,000 Km) across, roughly the distance from Earth to the moon.

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.