This page describes an image A Coronal Mass Ejection
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Image caption:
A burst of solar material can be seen erupting from the Sun in this view, illustrating a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a large eruption of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. These CMEs are caused by magnetic explosions in the Sun's corona. During a CME, huge amounts of electrically charged particles are launched into space at great speeds, carrying part of the Sun’s magnetic field with them. These events are driven by changes in the Sun’s magnetic structure and release vast clouds of hot gas that travel outward into the solar system. When a CME moves through space, it can interact with a planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, sometimes creating spectacular auroras or, in strong cases, interfering with artificial satellites and power systems.
CMEs are often associated with a temporary brightening of the region of the Sun where the CME originated. This is known as a solar flare. Stars other than the Sun can also have CMEs and flares.
This image was taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). This is a space mission to monitor the Sun. The image here is taken at a special wavelength which partially ionised helium emits strongly at.
Image credit: NASA/Goddard/SDO Credit Link
Related glossary terms:
Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)
, Sun
Image license: Public Domain Public Domain icons
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