Nasa’s Solar Dynamics Observatory returns first images
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8635207.stm
Nasa’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has provided an astonishing new vista on our turbulent star.
The first public release of images from the satellite record huge explosions and great looping prominences of gas.
The observatory’s super-fine resolution is expected to help scientists get a better understanding of what drives solar activity.
Launched in February on an Atlas rocket from Cape Canaveral, SDO is expected to operate for at least five years.
Researchers hope in this time to go a long way towards their eventual goal of being able to forecast the effects of the Sun’s behaviour on Earth.
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brilliant pictures coming from the SDO..check the link for more..they seem to be watching the sun intently right now..hmm..
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I remember in Astronomy class in the university learning about this satellite going up to observe the sun very close. It is the best technology around now that can observe the sun. I was at the university ca. 2004 when I learned about this. So I guess it’s finally up and running.
pretty awesome pictures i must say..they want to watch the sun a lot atm