Seeing?the whole sun front and back simultaneously will enable significant advances in space weather forecasting for Earth and for planning for future robotic and manned spacecraft missions throughout the solar system.
These views are the result of observations by NASA's two Solar TErrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft. The duo are on diametrically opposite sides of the sun, 180 degrees apart. One is ahead of Earth in its orbit, the other trailing behind.
For the STEREO Sun360 Teaser, go here.
For the full visualization showing STEREO's path go here.
For the visualization showing STEREO's increasing coverage of the sun (visual 3) go here.
For animations from the STEREO Teaser and stages of coverage, go here.
For animations showing STEREO's 3D coverage of a CME go here.