May 2, 2017

Solar Golden Arches

Sun SDO

The magnetic field lines between a pair of active regions formed a beautiful set of swaying arches rising up above them (April 24-26, 2017). The connection between opposing poles of polarity is visible in exquisite detail in this wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. What we are really seeing are charged particles spinning along the magnetic field lines. Other field lines are traced as they reach out in other directions as well.

Image Credit: NASA/GSFC/Solar Dynamics Observatory
Explanation from: https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21604

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