Single Solar Event: Multiple Views

When an event occurs anywhere on the Sun, we get to observe it. This graphic illustrates how a combination of spacecraft have the Sun well covered. From their positions near the Sun-Earth line, SDO and SOHO observed this small CME (coronal mass ejection) on July 4, 2013. At the same time, both the STEREO Ahead and Behind spacecraft watched the eruption as well. The size, direction, speed, and velocity can all be determined when we have multiple points of view. Other instruments on these spacecraft capture a lot of additional information about solar activity as well. And we will have this 360-degree capability for years to come.

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