NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has recently captured stunning footage of two massive plumes of dark plasma erupting from the sun. This captivating video, recorded on July 21, showcases these cool, dense plasma loops as they surge away from the sun’s surface.
The dramatic eruptions, which resemble dark, ghostly figures hovering above the sun, are actually early stages of a coronal mass ejection (CME). CMEs are significant solar events that can potentially influence space weather and impact Earth’s geomagnetic environment. The video highlights how these dark plasma loops, emerging from sunspot AR3757, are linked with a notable M1-class solar flare.
These plasma loops appear dark due to their lower density and cooler temperatures compared to the sun’s fiery surface. As the plasma moves outward, it collects additional material, eventually forming a CME. This process is crucial as CMEs can trigger solar storms that affect Earth’s magnetic field and space weather conditions.
Scientists utilize the SOHO coronagraph to track CMEs, identifying their characteristic halo to determine if they are heading towards Earth. The latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) indicates that this CME is expected to reach Earth by July 24, 2024. As a result, we might experience heightened geomagnetic activity and potential disruptions in space weather.
Stay tuned for updates on how this CME may impact Earth’s space environment and geomagnetic conditions.
