Magnetic Structure on Sun Is Responsible for Powerful Solar Storms- All Images

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News Release 05-084

Magnetic Structure on Sun Is Responsible for Powerful Solar Storms

Finding may help scientists better predict storms' effects on Earth

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Magnetic structures on the Sun are linked to solar storms that can set off disturbances on Earth.

Magnetic structures on the Sun are linked to solar storms that can set off disturbances when they reach the upper atmosphere, affecting satellites, ground-based communications systems and power grids on Earth.

Credit: NASA

This image taken in November 2002 shows a coronal mass ejection (CME) that has erupted.

This solar image, taken in November 2002 by HAO's Mark-IV K-Coronameter on Mauna Loa in Hawaii, captures features in the Sun's corona, the blue area. The black disk in the middle obscures the Sun itself.

Credit: National Center for Atmospheric Research

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