[{"id":49282,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"The dark region seen on the face of the sun at the end of March 2013 is a coronal hole just above and to the right of the middle of the picture, which is a source of fast solar wind leaving the sun in this image from NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory.","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-pia17669\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1024,"height":1024,"sizes":"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA17669\/PIA17669~orig.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w"},{"id":49283,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"This composite image of the Sun includes high-energy X-ray data from NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) shown in blue; lower energy X-ray data from the X-ray Telescope (XRT) on the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hinode mission shown in green; and ultraviolet light detected by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shown in red. NuSTAR's relatively small field of view means it can't see the entire Sun from its position in Earth orbit, so Figure A is a composite of 25 images, which were taken by the observatory in June 2022. NuSTAR sees high-energy X-rays that appear at only a few locations, where the hottest material is present in the Sun's atmopshere. By contrast, Hinode's XRT and SDO's AIA detect detect wavelengths emitted across the entire face of the Sun. The hotspots observed by NuSTAR might be caused by collections of nanoflares, or small outbursts of heat, light, and particles from the Sun's surface that subsequently heat the atmosphere. Individual nanoflares are too faint to directly observe amid the Sun's blazing light. https:\/\/photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov\/catalog\/PIA25628","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-pia25628\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1920,"height":1920,"sizes":"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA25628\/PIA25628~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w"},{"id":49285,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"The Sun blew out a coronal mass ejection along with part of a solar filament over a three-hour period (Feb. 24, 2015). While some of the strands fell back into the Sun, a substantial part raced into space in a bright cloud of particles (as observed by the SOHO spacecraft). The activity was captured in a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. Because this occurred way over near the edge of the Sun, it was unlikely to have any effect on Earth. Download high res\/video file: sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov\/gallery\/potw\/item\/603<\/a> Credit: NASA\/Solar Dynamics Observatory NASA image use policy.<\/a><\/b> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/b> Find us on Instagram<\/a><\/b>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e000763\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1200,"height":1200,"sizes":"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000763~orig.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w"},{"id":48189,"url":"https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/coronagraph.gif?w=540","alt":"","caption":"NASA\u2019s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, constantly observes the outer regions of the Sun\u2019s corona using a coronagraph, which blocks the bright solar disk.","credits":"ESA\/NASA\/SOHO","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/coronagraph\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":540,"height":540,"sizes":"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px","srcSet":null},{"id":49286,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111~orig.jpg?w=720&h=540&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"Animation of a CME leaving the Sun, slamming into our magnetosphere. Credit: NASA\/GSFC\/SOHO\/ESA Sound: Juan Carlos Garcia To learn more go to the SOHO website: sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov\/home.html<\/a> To learn more about NASA's Sun Earth Day go here: sunearthday.nasa.gov\/2010\/index.php<\/a>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e002111\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":720,"height":540,"sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111~orig.jpg?w=720&h=540&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111~orig.jpg?w=300&h=225&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111~orig.jpg?w=400&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002111~orig.jpg?w=600&h=450&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w"},{"id":49287,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=1800&h=1685&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"This illustration lays a depiction of the sun's magnetic fields over an image captured by NASA\u2019s Solar Dynamics Observatory on March 12, 2016. The complex overlay of lines can teach scientists about the ways the sun's magnetism changes in response to the constant movement on and inside the sun. Note how the magnetic fields are densest near the bright spots visible on the sun \u2013 which are magnetically strong active regions \u2013 and many of the field lines link one active region to another. This magnetic map was created using the PFSS \u2013 Potential Field Source Surface \u2013 model, a model of the magnetic field in the sun\u2019s atmosphere based on magnetic measurements of the solar surface. The underlying image was taken in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths of 171 angstroms. This type of light is invisible to our eyes, but is colorized here in gold. Credits: NASA\/SDO\/AIA\/LMSAL NASA image use policy.<\/a><\/b> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/b> Find us on Instagram<\/a><\/b> ","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e000393\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1800,"height":1685,"sizes":"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=1800&h=1685&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1800w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=300&h=281&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=768&h=719&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=1024&h=959&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=1536&h=1438&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=400&h=374&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=600&h=562&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=900&h=843&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e000393~orig.jpg?w=1200&h=1123&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w"},{"id":49288,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"Caption: This image from June 20, 2013, at 11:15 p.m. EDT shows the bright light of a solar flare on the left side of the sun and an eruption of solar material shooting through the sun\u2019s atmosphere, called a prominence eruption. Shortly thereafter, this same region of the sun sent a coronal mass ejection out into space. --- On June 20, 2013, at 11:24 p.m., the sun erupted with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection or CME, a solar phenomenon that can send billions of tons of particles into space that can reach Earth one to three days later. These particles cannot travel through the atmosphere to harm humans on Earth, but they can affect electronic systems in satellites and on the ground. Experimental NASA research models, based on observations from NASA\u2019s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and ESA\/NASA\u2019s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory show that the CME left the sun at speeds of around 1350 miles per second, which is a fast speed for CMEs. Earth-directed CMEs can cause a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, which occurs when they funnel energy into Earth's magnetic envelope, the magnetosphere, for an extended period of time. The CME\u2019s magnetic fields peel back the outermost layers of Earth's fields changing their very shape. Magnetic storms can degrade communication signals and cause unexpected electrical surges in power grids. They also can cause aurora. Storms are rare during solar minimum, but as the sun\u2019s activity ramps up every 11 years toward solar maximum \u2013 currently expected in late 2013 -- large storms occur several times per year. In the past, geomagnetic storms caused by CMEs of this strength and direction have usually been mild. Read more: 1.usa.gov\/14OxuEe<\/a> Credit: NASA\/Goddard\/SDO NASA image use policy.<\/a><\/b> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/b> Find us on Instagram<\/a><\/b>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e001435\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1920,"height":1920,"sizes":"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=300&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=768&h=768&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=1536&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=50&h=50&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=100&h=100&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=200&h=200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=400&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=600&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001435~large.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w"},{"id":49289,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434~orig.jpg?w=664&h=571&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"Caption: This image from June 20, 2013, at 11:15 p.m. EDT shows the bright light of a solar flare on the left side of the sun and an eruption of solar material shooting through the sun\u2019s atmosphere, called a prominence eruption. Shortly thereafter, this same region of the sun sent a coronal mass ejection out into space. --- On June 20, 2013, at 11:24 p.m., the sun erupted with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection or CME, a solar phenomenon that can send billions of tons of particles into space that can reach Earth one to three days later. These particles cannot travel through the atmosphere to harm humans on Earth, but they can affect electronic systems in satellites and on the ground. Experimental NASA research models, based on observations from NASA\u2019s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and ESA\/NASA\u2019s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory show that the CME left the sun at speeds of around 1350 miles per second, which is a fast speed for CMEs. Earth-directed CMEs can cause a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, which occurs when they funnel energy into Earth's magnetic envelope, the magnetosphere, for an extended period of time. The CME\u2019s magnetic fields peel back the outermost layers of Earth's fields changing their very shape. Magnetic storms can degrade communication signals and cause unexpected electrical surges in power grids. They also can cause aurora. Storms are rare during solar minimum, but as the sun\u2019s activity ramps up every 11 years toward solar maximum \u2013 currently expected in late 2013 -- large storms occur several times per year. In the past, geomagnetic storms caused by CMEs of this strength and direction have usually been mild. Credit: NASA\/Goddard\/SDO NASA image use policy.<\/a><\/b> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/b> Find us on Instagram<\/a><\/b>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e001434\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":664,"height":571,"sizes":"(max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434~orig.jpg?w=664&h=571&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 664w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434~orig.jpg?w=300&h=258&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434~orig.jpg?w=400&h=344&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001434~orig.jpg?w=600&h=516&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w"},{"id":49290,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=1557&h=1638&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"NASA image captured December 6, 2010 To view a video of this event go here: www.flickr.com\/photos\/gsfc\/5258354738<\/a> A very long solar filament that had been snaking around the Sun erupted (Dec. 6, 2010) with a flourish. STEREO (Behind) caught the action in dramatic detail in extreme ultraviolet light of Helium. It had been almost a million km long (about half a solar radius) and a prominent feature on the Sun visible over two weeks earlier before it rotated out of view. Filaments, elongated clouds of cooler gases suspended above the Sun by magnetic forces, are rather unstable and often break away from the Sun. Credit: NASA\/GSFC\/SOHO NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Join us on Facebook<\/a><\/b>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e001936\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":1557,"height":1638,"sizes":"(max-width: 1557px) 100vw, 1557px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=1557&h=1638&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1557w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=285&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 285w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=768&h=808&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=973&h=1024&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 973w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=1460&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1460w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=380&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 380w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=570&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 570w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=855&h=899&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 855w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e001936~orig.jpg?w=1141&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1141w"},{"id":49291,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=2400&h=1876&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"CME blast and subsequent impact at Earth -- This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Sun\u2019s surface in the direction of Ea CME blast and subsequent impact at Earth -- This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Sun\u2019s surface in the direction of Earth. This left portion is composed of an EIT 304 image superimposed on a LASCO C2 coronagraph. Two to four days later, the CME cloud is shown striking and beginning to be mostly deflected around the Earth\u2019s magnetosphere. The blue paths emanating from the Earth\u2019s poles represent some of its magnetic field lines. The magnetic cloud of plasma can extend to 30 million miles wide by the time it reaches earth. These storms, which occur frequently, can disrupt communications and navigational equipment, damage satellites, and even cause blackouts. (Objects in the illustration are not drawn to scale.) Credit: NASA\/GSFC\/SOHO\/ESA To learn more go to the SOHO website: sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov\/home.html<\/a> To learn more about NASA's Sun Earth Day go here: sunearthday.nasa.gov\/2010\/index.php<\/a>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-gsfc_20171208_archive_e002115\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":2400,"height":1876,"sizes":"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=2400&h=1876&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=300&h=235&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=768&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=1024&h=800&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=1536&h=1201&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=2048&h=1601&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=400&h=313&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=600&h=469&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=900&h=704&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=1200&h=938&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115\/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg?w=2000&h=1563&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w"},{"id":49292,"url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=854&h=480&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","alt":"","caption":"On May 9, 2016, Mercury passed directly between the Sun and Earth, making a transit of the Sun. Mercury transits happen about 13 times each century. NASA SDO studies the Sun 24\/7 and captured the eight-hour event.","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/amf-pia14729\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":854,"height":480,"sizes":"(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px","srcSet":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=854&h=480&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 854w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=300&h=169&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=768&h=432&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=400&h=225&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/PIA14729\/PIA14729~orig.jpg?w=600&h=337&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w"},{"id":47641,"url":"https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/sun-jpg.webp?w=628","alt":"","caption":"","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":null,"fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":628,"height":459,"sizes":"(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px","srcSet":"https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/sun-jpg.webp 628w, https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/sun-jpg.webp?resize=300,219 300w, https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/sun-jpg.webp?resize=400,292 400w, https:\/\/smd-cms.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/sun-jpg.webp?resize=600,439 600w"},{"id":53970,"url":null,"alt":"","caption":"The Sun blew out a coronal mass ejection along with part of a solar filament over a three-hour period (Feb. 24, 2015). While some of the strands fell back into the Sun, a substantial part raced into space in a bright cloud of particles (as observed by the SOHO spacecraft). The activity was captured in a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. Because this occurred way over near the edge of the Sun, it was unlikely to have any effect on Earth. Download high res\/video file: sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov\/gallery\/potw\/item\/603<\/a> Credit: NASA\/Solar Dynamics Observatory NASA image use policy.<\/a><\/b> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/b> enables NASA\u2019s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA\u2019s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency\u2019s mission. Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/b> Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/b> Find us on Instagram<\/a><\/b>","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/49285\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":null,"height":null,"sizes":null,"srcSet":null},{"id":53969,"url":null,"alt":"","caption":"X-rays stream off the sun in this first picture of the sun, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory SDO, taken by NASA NuSTAR. The field of view covers the west limb of the sun.","credits":"","fit":"cover","zoom":0,"focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5},"parallax":"no","detailLink":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/49284\/","fullyHydrated":true,"contentType":"image","width":null,"height":null,"sizes":null,"srcSet":null}]

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