Solar Probe Films Plasma Loops, Sunspots in Action

brian0918 writes "NewScientist reports that Japan's Hinode (Solar-B) spacecraft has captured videos of surface details of the Sun, including the development of loops of hot plasma above the surface, and activity around sunspots. From the article: 'It is hoped that its observations will shed light on what triggers solar eruptions — called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These ejections spew out radiation that poses a health risk for astronauts, and they can also knock out satellites. The mission team is still testing out the spacecraft's instruments, but full scientific observations will probably be underway by January 2007.' More videos can be viewed at NASA's site."

Comments

It has to be asked...

[cbhacking]

We already know about the malicious spirits in the sun that shoot balls of plasma at us. The question is, what keeps them from knocking out this spy with a well-aimed CME?*

*The second question is at least half-serious.

shed light

[Swimport]

Why would you want to shed light on the sun?