Amazing New Sun Photos from Space

Sun Plasma FlickersCredit: Solar Dynamics ObservatoryA close-up, profile view of an active region in extreme ultraviolet light showcased several small spurts of plasma as they flickered out and retreated back into the sun over about 13 hours (June 16, 2011). This wavelength captures ionized helium at about 60,000 degrees not far above the sun's surface. Flashes of small solar flares can be seen triggering most of these spurts.

Spectacular Prominence EruptionsCredit: SOHO (ESA & NASA)The sun on June 7, 2011, starting at about 06:41 UT, unleashed one of the most spectacular prominence eruptions ever observed, in fact, one could call it a "prominence explosion".

Coronal Mass EjectionCredit: NASA/SDOCoronal mass ejection as viewed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory on June 7, 2011

Sun Unleashes X1.5-Class FlareCredit: NASA/SDO/GSFCThe sun unleashed a powerful Class X1.5 solar flare on March 9, 2011, a solar storm that could supercharge Earth's auroras. The flare was recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and other spacecraft. Here, it appears in white at the upper right of the sun as seen by the Solar Dynamics Observatory

Comet Dives Into the SunCredit: NASA/SOHOThe SOHO spacecraft watched as a fairly bright comet dove towards the sun in a white streak and was not seen again after its close encounter (May 10-11, 2011). The comet, probably part of the Kreutz family of comets, was discovered by amateur astronomer Sergey Shurpakov.

Huge Eruption on Sun's Far SideCredit: NASA/Stereo/GSFCThe STEREO (Ahead) spacecraft caught a large coronal mass ejection as it roared away from the Sun and out into space in the opposite direction from Earth (Feb. 26-28, 2011).

source : http://www.space.com

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