Solar Tornado Captured by NASA's SDO Probe

In summary, a NASA spacecraft captured a video of an enormous plasma "tornado" spinning off the sun. The video was created using imagery from the Solar Dynamics Observatory probe and shows the tornado churning and erupting over the course of one day. The tornado was stretched and pulled by powerful magnetic forces and spun at speeds of 10,000 mph. It reached a height of approximately 5 Earth diameters above the sun's surface. The temperature of the ionized iron particles observed was about 2.8 million degrees C. This event occurred in September 2015 and has been compared to a plot for a Syfy movie.
  • #1
Mordred
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Nice video of a solar tornado.

http://www.space.com/25725-solar-tornado-video-nasa- spacecraft .html?cmpid=557583

A NASA spacecraft has captured spectacular video of an enormous plasma "tornado" spinning off the sun.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory probe, or SDO, watched the dark-hued twister churn and ultimately erupt over the course of one day, from April 29 to 30. Mission scientists used the spacecraft 's imagery to create an 18-second-long video of the dramatic solar tornado.
 
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  • #3
A cyclonic plasma event occurred last week
A small, but complex mass of plasma gyrated and spun about over the course of 40 hours above the surface of the Sun (Sept. 1-3, 2015). It was stretched and pulled back and forth by powerful magnetic forces but not ripped apart in this sequence. The temperature of the ionized iron particles observed in this extreme ultraviolet wavelength of light was about 2.8 million degrees C.
http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/main/item/656

SDO project scientist William Pesnell told Huffington Post that the material in the solar tornado spun at speeds of about 10,000 mph.
http://www.grindtv.com/random/tornado-that-is-5-million-degrees-rages-on-sun-for-40-hours/

It's height above the surface of the sun was approximately 5 Earth diameters.
 
  • #4
Ooh, do I smell the title/plot of a new "made for Syfy" movie?
 

1. What is a "Solar Tornado"?

A solar tornado is a phenomenon observed on the surface of the sun, where magnetic fields twist and spiral, creating a swirling motion similar to a tornado on Earth.

2. How is NASA's SDO Probe able to capture a Solar Tornado?

NASA's SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) is a spacecraft equipped with advanced instruments and cameras that constantly monitor the sun's activity. It is able to capture images and data of solar phenomena, including solar tornadoes, in high resolution.

3. What causes a Solar Tornado?

Solar tornadoes are caused by the interaction of plasma and magnetic fields on the sun's surface. As the magnetic fields twist and churn, they drag the plasma along with them, creating a swirling motion.

4. Are Solar Tornadoes dangerous to Earth?

No, solar tornadoes do not pose a direct threat to Earth. They occur on the sun's surface and do not affect our planet. However, they can have an impact on space weather and can disrupt satellite communications.

5. What can we learn from studying Solar Tornadoes?

Studying solar tornadoes can provide valuable insights into the complex magnetic activity of the sun. By understanding these phenomena, scientists can better predict and prepare for potential solar storms and their potential impact on Earth.

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