The suns surface is forever changing so as you would expect NASA is pretty much always watching. The Solar Dynamics Observatory or SDO is a satellite that is constantly taking photographs of the suns surface.
The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly is one of three instruments onboard the spacecraft and takes an absolutely insane 57,000 photos of the sun everyday. To celebrate the monumental milestone of capturing its 100 millionth photo some scientists working on the project have selected their favourite images captured so far.
These images are so incredible.
1. This was the 100 millionth image captured by the Advanced Imaging Assembly onboard NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Via NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL
2. This spectacular looking photo was captured on Jan. 19, 2015 and shows the sun in various wavelengths.
Via NASA/SDO
3. Taken on Jun 7, 2011, this image shows an enormous eruption on the surface of the sun.
Via NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL
4. This image taken by the SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) shows multiple sunspots on the suns surface.
Via NASA/SDO/LMSAL
5. This is a false colour image showing magnetic fields that are produced by “coronal loops.”
Via NASA/SDO/HMI/AIA/LMSAL
6. This time lapse image shows Comet Lovejoy traveling around the sun.
Via NASA/SDO
7. A plume of plasma erupts from the surface of the sun.
Via NASA/SDO
8. This image shows a face spotted in the surface of the sun. Of course it’s totally by chance but the light swirls that look like eyes are the hotter spots and the “hair” around the edge is material floating in the suns atmosphere.
Via NASA/SDO
9. A three colour image created using an increased contrast filter. The dark spots are the areas of concentrated heat and energy.
Via NASA/SDO/Pesnell
10. A composite photo showing the path of Venus past the sun on June 5-6, 2012. This is so rare it won’t happen again until 2117!
Via NASA/SDO/Goddard Visualization Studio
11. The moon also likes to make an appearance now and then as well. Here the sun is partially blocked by the passing moon.
Via NASA/SDO
12. This beautiful composite photo shows the different wavelengths of ultraviolet light given off by the sun’s corona.
Via NASA/SDO/GSFC Visualization Studio
13. A mosaic image of the 100 millionth image captured by the SDO’s Atmospheric Imaging Instrument.
Via NASA/SDO/Mosaic created with AndreaMosaic
