Flickering loops of plasma above the Sun’s churning surface have been captured in movies made by Japan’s Hinode spacecraft, providing a preview of what the probe will do once it begins its main phase of scientific observations. The spacecraft was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on 22 September 2006. JAXA is collaborating with NASA, ESA, and other organisations for the mission. Hinode’s three telescopes will make simultaneous observations in visible light, ultraviolet, and X-rays to help scientists understand the Sun’s ever-changing magnetic field. It is hoped that its observations will shed light on what triggers solar eruptions – so-called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These ejections spew out radiation that poses a health risk for astronauts and they can also knock out satellites.
Development of loops of hot plasma above the Sun’s surface (15.9 MB; MPEG format)