Energy Waves

On occasion, solar events on the Sun can trigger energy waves across much of its surface. STEREO (Behind) observed three of these waves on Feb. 8, 2009. They all originated from one active region that had just come into view of the spacecraft (which would not be able to be observed from Earth). Two waves of lighter material can be seen spreading to the right across part of the Sun’s face, early in the day, with another fainter wave following a small outburst near the end of the day. Energetic motion and interconnections can be seen in the active region the entire time. All of these events were accompanied by radio bursts detected by the STEREO WAVES instrument. This same active region blew out a small (B-class) flare on Feb. 11.

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