The Visible Sun Revisited

  • Released Saturday, April 1, 2006
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Scientists working with the SOHO/MDI instrument have continued to improve on previous results. Since the first release (SOHO/MDI's 'Window' Through the Sun), improvements in helioseismology techniques have enabled them to extract more information from the same data. In this case, sonogram-type imaging of the solar far side (the side of the Sun NOT facing the Earth) has been improved to provide a more complete view of the farside. This is important in space weather forecasting as it enables us to see large sunspots and active regions before they are visible directly from the Earth. Active regions are a source of solar flares which can send high-energy protons towards the Earth. These protons can damage satellite electronics, endangering communications and weather forecasting, and are a health threat to astronauts.

Opening with a view of the Sun visible from SOHO, we move around to the eastern limb (as seen from Earth) where we see the farside data constructed by helioseismology studies. During the movie, several sunspot groups move from the farside to the Earthside of the Sun.

Full view of the Sun from SOHO/MDI

Full view of the Sun from SOHO/MDI

A relatively featureless view of the eastern limb of the Sun (October 6, 2003).

A relatively featureless view of the eastern limb of the Sun (October 6, 2003).

Some spot group approach the limb from the farside (November 18, 2003, 06UT).

Some spot group approach the limb from the farside (November 18, 2003, 06UT).

The leading spot group has moved around the limb and is now visible from the Earth. The trailing spot group is still approaching the limb (November 16, 2003 17UT).

The leading spot group has moved around the limb and is now visible from the Earth. The trailing spot group is still approaching the limb (November 16, 2003 17UT).

The trailing spot group moves to the Earthside view of the Sun (November 19, 2003).

The trailing spot group moves to the Earthside view of the Sun (November 19, 2003).

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio

This page was originally published on Saturday, April 1, 2006.
This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:55 PM EDT.

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