Solar “Smoke Rings”
EXPLOSION ON THE SUN
Coronagraphs onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) observed a bright double-ringed coronal mass ejection (CME) billowing over the sun’s western limb during the late hours of Feb. 1st. At present, the source of the blast is unknown.
The bright spot to the left of the sun is Venus. Click on the image for a slightly larger view.
Via SpaceWeather.com
Glenn B said,
February 2, 2010 @ 18:15:01
Almost looks like it could be enough energy in that blast to cause things to warm up should it head our way. That, of course, would tickle the global warming crew pink or at least sunburn them.
On the other hand, I am hoping it was not an explosion that allowed too much of the sun’s remaining fuel to excape from its innards. What I am fearful of is that too much fuel was expended and it will result in less energy from the sun and thus global cooling or maybe even the sun going out. Egad’s a global cooling theory in the making - just call me Al Gore Bizaro.
Cap'n Bob said,
February 2, 2010 @ 19:21:18
CMEs happen all the time - not likely to run out of fuel based on one of those. I believe that we have another five billion years worth of fusion left. I concur with your notion that it should blister up some liberals though.
That being said, the solar process is still not well enough understood to be able to analyze what’s in the near term for how it might affect the environment. Que sera, sera . . .
sig94 said,
February 5, 2010 @ 16:36:08
Only five billion years left!!!
We absolutely must get solar wind turbines installed on Mercury so that we can use less hydrogen! We’re all gonna die!
Cap'n Bob said,
February 5, 2010 @ 18:15:19
“solar wind turbines installed on Mercury . . .”
Can you imagine the environmental impact assessment that the EPA would require? That and the fact that Mercury is toxic will discourage any of that . . .