Hot Gas in 3D Above the Sun

With the Sun observed at about 2.2 million degrees K in extreme UV light (at 284 Angstroms), one can see concentrations of hot gases as a fuzzy, lighter cloud that extends out in the corona above an active region. This image was created by combining two images from STEREO B (Feb. 24, 2008) taken about 12 hours apart, during which the Sun's rotation provides sufficient perspective to create a nice 3D effect. The material above the active region is changing slowly enough that it is possible to use this technique.

Right and Left Images

• Right Image
• Left Image

• Print version. Right click for download.