A Colossal Solar Prominence Dazzles: 318,850 km of Plasma Erupts!
Today, our Sun put on a truly spectacular display of its raw power. A massive solar prominence, a gigantic eruption of plasma extending outwards from the Sun's surface, lifted off and captivated observers.
A Phenomenal Scale
This colossal structure stretched an incredible 318,850 kilometers into space. To put that into perspective, that's approximately 25 times the diameter of Earth! This immense curtain of superheated plasma lasted for a remarkable 8 hours, from 8 to 14 UTC, showcasing the dynamic nature of our star.
Speed and Distance
The plasma traveled at an astonishing speed of 11.071 km/s, or a blistering 39,856 km/h. This event provides invaluable data for scientists studying solar activity and its potential impact on our planet.
Understanding Solar Prominences
It's important to note that solar prominences are often vastly larger than Earth. As one observer pointed out, "99.99% of all solar prominences are always larger in area than the entire Earth." This particular event, however, was truly remarkable in its scale and duration.
For those interested in the detailed scientific data behind this event, you can find more information and animations at the SSEC GOES SUVI data portal.
Stay tuned for more breathtaking updates from our Sun!
