Plasmoid Video (VIDEO)
Caption
This time-lapse movie shows the formation and collapse of a complexly shaped plasma stream traveling at almost 100 kilometers per seconds in front of a coronal loop system. This is likely the first time such a stream, which the scientists refer to as “plasmoid”, has been observed, leaving them wondering about the physical explanation of the observed dynamics. This video was taken by the Goode Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory using the new coronal adaptive optics system Cona. The video shows the hydrogen-alpha light emitted by the solar plasma. The video is artificially colorized, yet based on the color of hydrogen-alpha light, and darker color is brighter light.
Credit
Schmidt et al./NJIT/NSO/AURA/NSF
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY