Surging Sun - May 5, 2007

A close look at this active region over an 18-hour period (May 5, 2007) by STEREO (Behind) shows a remarkable series of what scientists call "surges" above the solar surface. Material is being thrust out and back along magnetic field lines and is activating a solar filament. With this detailed view and high frame rate we can watch the material surge out and back at least twice. The material (at about 60,000 degree C.) is being imaged in extreme ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 304 Angstroms.

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