Solar Dynamics Observatory sees solar prominence

This image was captured on Feb. 3, 2016 by the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Courtesy NASA.

NASA has released an image of a huge solar prominence obtained by its Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft.

A solar prominence, also called a filament, form quickly. They are “attached” to the sun’s photosphere and extend outward into our star’s corona. While scientists are not sure why they form, the gas that constitutes the solar prominence is suspended above the sun by magnetic forces generated by the star.

The red-hued material in the solar prominence is plasma, a fourth state of matter created when gas is subjected to a strong magnetic field such as the that produced by the sun.

Each filament can extend hundreds of thousands of miles out into space.

The image was taken at the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

NASA image of the day: Spooky Sun

This photo, obtained by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows active regions on the Sun. The image looks like a jack-o-lantern! Our star’s active regions, located in the corona, are those that emit more light and energy than other areas. The image is a blend of two images captured in the ultraviolet wavelength at a range that is typically orange or yellow in color. Courtesy NASA/Solar Dynamics Observatory.

NASA probe detects class X solar flare

The sun emitted a class X1.6 solar flare Wednesday.

The Solar Dynamics Observatory photographed the event at 11:48 am MDT.

Today’s solar flare is visible in the center of the sun. The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the image in the 131 angstrom range. Courtesy NASA/SDO.