NASAs new Eye on the Sun delivers a series of stunning images at www.nasa.gov/sdo (and see also http://wattsupwiththat.com April 21st). Some images show material streaming away from sun spots – others are close-up images of the surface of the Sun. The spacecraft has also made high resolution measurements of solar flares in a range of ultra-violet wavelengths.
The Solar Dynamic Observatory is set to change understanding of the Sun and it’s processes – and will impact science. It has a 5 year mission to examine the Sun’s magnetic field and provide information on how the Sun affects the atmosphere of the Earth – and therefore our climate.