The Sun Twists Again

A close-up of the Sun from the STEREO (Ahead) spacecraft showing a pair of active regions (that appear as brighter regions) with some interesting activity over a two-day period (April 5-6, 2008). Two surges of material burst out from the region to the left, and the second surge appears to break away from its magnetic bindings. Not long after, particles from one area along the Sun’s edge rise up and, following unseen magnetic field lines, connect with another area before material above each area spirals alone. None of these events caused any solar storming.

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