Seeing Through the Layers of the Sun

NASA image captured December 19, 2010

One can virtually peer through layers of the Sun to see different kinds of features using images taken at almost the same time (Dec. 19, 2010). Each STEREO spacecraft images the Sun in four wavelengths of extreme UV light. People cannot see UV light, but carefully designed instruments can. Frames from each wavelength are colorized so that scientists know instantly which wavelength they are observing. And each wavelength is imaging different material at different layers and temperatures. By superimposing images on top of one another, and moving from the just above the Sun to further out in the Sun?s outer atmosphere, we can illustrate how different features are revealed. Happy Holidays!

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

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