ULTRAVIOLET VIEW OF THE SOLAR CORONA


This image is a mosaic of separate pictures taken by the TRACE (Transient Region and Coronal Explorer) satellite using ultraviolet light from eight-times ionized iron. This light has a wavelength of 171 Angstroms, and is emitted by gases above the visible surface of the Sun in the temperature range 600,000 to 1,200,000 Kelvin.

Glowing gas loops connect regions of opposite magnetic polarity on the Sun and make the Sun's magnetic field visible.



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