The Sun in Action

This image originates from Big Bear Solar Observatory in the USA and was obtained by ASWFC in digital format from Solar Terrestrial Despatch at the University of Lethbridge in Canada.

The image shows a spray of material being ejected from the Sun, being seen close to the limb, or edge of the Sun. The event occurred on August 15th, 1993.

Ejections of material from the Sun may follow solar flares or other solar phenomena. If the material reaches the earth, it can produce magnetic and ionospheric disturbances with consequences for HF communications, geomagnetic surveys for minerals, the operation of long pipelines and power lines, and a host of other effects.

Material prepared by Richard Thompson