Launched in October 2006, STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) traces the flow of energy and matter from the sun to Earth. It also provides unique and revolutionary views of the sun-Earth system. STEREO, when paired with SDO, can now give us the first complete view of the sun’s entire surface and atmosphere.
Speaking of SDO, the Solar Dynamics Observatory team just posted two videos: one of a recent large prominence eruption and one of “darker, cooler plasma” being pulled back and forth by competing magnetic forces. They were observed above the Sun’s surface for 30 hours (Feb. 7-8, 2012):
Watch related videos: Solar Dynamics Observatory.
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