Sun ID: 12588

A Solar Eruption in 5 Steps

Released on April 26, 2017

Scientists from Durham University in the United Kingdom and NASA now propose that a universal mechanism can explain the whole spectrum of solar eruptions. They used 3-D computer simulations to demonstrate that a variety of eruptions can theoretically be thought of as the same kind of event, only in different sizes and manifested in different ways. Their work is summarized in a paper published in Nature on April 26, 2017.

Computer simulation of a filament eruption. Field lines are colored to depict the various magnetic field regions: The filament/flux rope (yellow). forms beneath the central arcade (blue) before erupting. The semi-transparent shading shows current density in the plane.

Credit: Peter F. Wyper (Durham University); Spiro K. Antiochos & C. Richard DeVore (NASA GSFC)

Credits

Genna Duberstein (USRA): Lead Producer
C. Richard DeVore (Naval Research Laboratory): Scientist
Kathalina Tran (KBRwyle): Science Writer

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

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Keywords:
SVS >> Eruption
SVS >> HDTV
SVS >> Magnetic Fields
SVS >> Magnetic Reconnection
NASA Science >> Sun
SVS >> Filament