This stunning image shows a solar prominence β a massive loop of superheated plasma erupting from the Sun’s surface. For scale, Earth is shown nearby and appears tiny in comparison. These prominences can stretch hundreds of thousands of kilometers and reach temperatures of millions of degrees Kelvin.
Prominences are formed by the Sun’s magnetic fields: charged plasma particles follow magnetic field lines, creating these dramatic structures. The image was captured using a solar telescope that detects ultraviolet and X-ray radiation, allowing scientists to observe the finer details of solar activity.
Events like these affect space weather: plasma ejections associated with prominences can trigger geomagnetic storms that disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth. For example, a powerful prominence in 2022 caused temporary radio communication blackouts.
The Sun is currently in its 25th solar cycle, which will last until around 2030, and prominences are becoming increasingly frequent. Scientists at NOAA predict the cycle will peak in mid-2025. Fun fact: a single solar prominence can contain a mass equivalent to billions of tons!
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