Arching Prominence (April 14, 2006)
Hi-res TIF image
A curving prominence in the shape of an arch gives us the most interesting SOHO image this week (April 9, 2006). Several other smaller structures can be seen around the Sun's edge as well. This one rises above the Sun a distance that is roughly over ten times the size of Earth.
These prominences are actually cooler clouds of gases suspended above the solar surface. They are controlled by powerful magnetic forces some of whose magnetic field lines can be traced by the shape of the arch. This one did not last more than half a day, while others can last for weeks.
SOHO began its Weekly Pick some time after sending a weekly image or video clip to the American Museum of Natural History (Rose Center) in New York City. There, the SOHO Weekly Pick is displayed with some annotations on a large plasma display.
If your institution would also like to receive the same Weekly Pick from us for display (usually in Photoshop or QuickTime format), please send your inquiry to email@example.com.