- Sunspots [2.74 mb]
Sunspots are visible evidence of
much larger magnetic activity and structures on the Sun. Extreme
ultraviolet and X-ray images of the Sun (all taken the same day)
reveal magnetic activity unseen in the visible spectrum.
- The Dynamic Sun [3.58 mb]
The rotating Sun seen in
extreme ultraviolet light reveals active regions, magnetic loops
and a blast across its surface.
- Magnetic Loop [3.25 mb]
Close-up clip of a
fountain-like solar flare observed by the TRACE spacecraft.
- Solar Wind and Giant Eruptions
The Sun's
corona (with the Sun blocked out) over a two-week observation shows
the streaming solar wind and over 10 coronal mass ejections heading out into space.
- Solar Flare Event [3.25 mb]
A close-up sequence
of two solar flares (seen as a bright flash) that blasts high-speed
protons into space at almost the speed of light. They appear as snowy
flecks almost immediately on the spacecraft's imaging device.
- Solar Cycle [2.75 mb]
A comparison of the
rotating Sun in extreme ultraviolet light in 1996 and 1999 highlights
how much more active the Sun is as it approaches its solar maximum in mid-2000.
- Sun-grazing Comets
1)[2.33 mb] A comet arcs into the Sun leaving a
rocket-like trail behind it;
2)[1.82 mb] Two comets head along similar paths
towards the Sun and disappear.
- CMEs Up Close
A closer view of the
corona reveals many coronal mass ejections blasting particles into space
over a busy three day period. CMEs are the key drivers of space weather.
- A CME Impacts Earth [4.93 mb]
An overview
of the basic elements of space weather: a CME explodes away from the Sun,
travels across space, and impacts Earth's magnetosphere.
- Magnetic Storm [2.01 mb]
This computer animation,
based on actual satellite observations, shows the changes in the Earth's
magnetosphere during a coronal mass ejection from the Sun. Scientists use
computer models to understand exactly how magnetic storms behave.
- Spectacular Aurora [2.56 mb]
Beautiful,
swirling, and sweeping aurora, the only visible evidence of space weather.
- Storm Impact Seen from Space [2.0 mb]
From a
vantage point in space, watch as the aurora disturbances spread down across
the U.S. and intensify dramatically (near the end). Observers on the ground
were treated to a beautiful auroral show of lights.
- NASA's Eyes on Space Weather
This
animation shows many of the Sun-Earth Connection spacecraft in their orbits as they
constantly monitor the Sun and its effects on Earth.
- Space Weather Event [1.83 mb]
This animation
presents a few minutes of the March 1989 magnetic storm responsible for
shutting down the electric power grid in Canada's Quebec Province.
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