|
What are CMEs?
We
experienced the 23rd Solar Max
in the year 2000! |
High-energy coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares are
dramatic solar activities that are closely related to and
occur simultaneously with the release of magnetic energy into
the solar atmosphere from prominences in the sun's chromosphere,
the layer of the sun under the corona.
These prominences are sometimes spectacular bright loops
of hot gas that arch high above the top of the chromosphere
and often extend into the corona. Some of them have widths
the size of Earth while others may approach half the diameter
of the sun. Prominences often are association with sunspots
and the may hold their shape for months before collapsing.
Others erupt from the chromosphere as gaseous streamers.
CMEs and flares occurring during a Solar Max typically begin
as a prominence loop that explodes within just a few hours.
CMEs release all sorts of solar plasma particles into space,
while flares discharge a strong blast of electromagnetic radiation,
including x-rays and ultraviolet rays.
Flare temperatures may reach 550 million Kelvins, which is
several times hotter than the sun itself, and, if it could
be harnessed, the power of a CME or flare would be sufficient
to provide energy needs of the Earth's inhabitants for millions
of years.
NEXT
For a more technical description, take a Closer
Look at
The Structured Sun and Solar Max: At the Core of the Matter.
|
