Looper:
SDO's HMI instrument provides maps of magnetic fields of the entire surface of the sun, showing how strong they are and, for the first time ever, in which direction they are pointing.
While we need to protect Earth from the most intense forms of space weather, some people worry that a gigantic flare could hurl enough energy to destroy Earth, but this is not actually possible.
The sun emitted a third significant solar flare in under 24 hours, peaking at 9:11 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2013. This flare is classified as an X3.2 flare.
Several missions within NASA’s Heliophysics observatory (Soho,Stereo,SDO) captured images of a gigantic eruption on the sun on May 1, 2013. Working together, such missions provide excellent coverage.
The Heliophysics Science Division conducts research on the Sun, its extended solar-system environment (the heliosphere), and interactions of Earth, other planets, small bodies, and interstellar gas with the heliosphere. Division research also encompasses geospace -- Earth's uppermost atmosphere, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere -- and the changing environmental conditions throughout the coupled heliosphere (solar system weather).
Scientists in the Heliophysics Science Division develop models, spacecraft missions and instruments, and systems to manage and disseminate heliophysical data. They interpret and evaluate data gathered from instruments, draw comparisons with computer simulations and theoretical models, and publish the results. The Division also conducts education and public outreach programs to communicate the excitement and social value of NASA heliophysics.
Contact Us
Susan M Hendrix
301.286.7745
General inquiries about the scientific programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center may be directed to the Office of Communications at 1.301.286.8955.
