NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), launched on February 11, 2010, continuously observes the Sun, capturing its dynamic activity. In its fourth year, SDO recorded remarkable solar phenomena, including massive solar flares, prominence eruptions, coronal loops, and a large sunspot group—the biggest in nine years. SDO images the Sun in 10 wavelengths, each highlighting different temperatures and structures, helping scientists study the Sun’s complex electromagnetic system. These observations aid in understanding solar effects on Earth’s technology and provide insights into other stars in the galaxy. The SDO is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, is a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, leading to energy emissions in the form of light. The specific colors observed—typically greens, reds, and purples—are determined by the type of gas molecules involved and their altitude in the atmosphere.

Traditionally, aurora videos are presented in time-lapse due to the slow movement of the lights. However, real-time footage captures the aurora’s dynamic motion as it unfolds, providing a more authentic viewing experience. Such videos offer viewers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and complexity of this atmospheric phenomenon.

For a real-time viewing experience, you might find this video captivating:

On September 29-30, 2013, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a remarkable solar event where a 200,000-mile-long filament erupted from the Sun’s surface. This eruption left behind a structure resembling a “canyon of fire,” tracing the channel where magnetic fields had previously held the filament aloft. Such filaments consist of dense, cooler plasma suspended above the Sun’s surface by magnetic forces. Their eruptions can lead to coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which, if directed toward Earth, have the potential to disrupt satellite communications and power grids.

Solar Filament Eruption Creates ‘Canyon of Fire’

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station captured breathtaking images of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, from their unique vantage point in orbit. This natural phenomenon occurs when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, emitting light in vibrant colors like green, red, and purple. These observations not only showcase the beauty of Earth’s upper atmosphere but also provide valuable data on the Sun-Earth connection and the impact of solar activity on the planet’s magnetosphere.

Northern Lights Viewed From the International Space Station

On September 29, 2013, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured a spectacular video of a large filament eruption on the Sun using its 304-angstrom channel. The eruption produced an impressive coronal mass ejection (CME) with a component directed toward Earth, demonstrating the dynamic and volatile nature of the Sun’s surface.

In 2013, NASA’s Van Allen Probes discovered a temporary third radiation belt around Earth, challenging the long-standing understanding of the planet’s radiation zones. This third belt, composed of high-energy particles, persisted for about four weeks before being disrupted by a powerful interplanetary shock wave from the Sun. The discovery has significant implications for space weather forecasting and the protection of satellites and astronauts from harmful radiation.

Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/third-van-allen-belt-solar-storm_n_4017297

Recent research has revealed that the Sun’s internal plasma flow, known as meridional circulation, operates at a much faster pace and extends only half as deep as previously thought—about 62,000 miles beneath the solar surface. This conveyor-belt-like mechanism moves plasma from the equator to the poles on the surface and back to the equator through the interior. These findings, based on data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, suggest that existing models of the solar cycle may need revision to improve predictions of solar storms that can impact Earth.

Source: https://www.space.com/22864-sun-plasma-conveyor-belt-surprise.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHNHeZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSvX7nL6z5ElW0esK5go8QOae1smAFRLyV7iJ-RKhOjLIZDte7WbzPbCLQ_aem_YPuIw3aaT_2ewSAQhMd3Ow

On August 21, 2013, the Sun emitted a coronal mass ejection (CME) at 1:24 a.m. EDT, propelling superheated particles toward Earth at approximately 570 miles per second. While these particles are harmless to humans, they have the potential to disrupt electronic systems in satellites and on the ground, potentially affecting services like cell phones, GPS, and power grids. However, NASA indicated that this particular CME was unlikely to cause significant disruptions, as similar events in the past have typically resulted in mild geomagnetic storms. Additionally, such CMEs can produce auroras in higher latitude regions when interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.

Source: https://www.ibtimes.com/solar-storm-superheated-particles-approaching-earth-1395179