The Evolving Universe

Smithsonian Institution

The Sun: close-ups from TRACE

Sun image

Credit: NASA/Lockheed Martin

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Most of the Sun's energy is emitted - or radiated - evenly, but disturbances near the surface result in some rather impressive eruptions that can shoot hundreds of thousands of miles high.

  • Distance from Earth: 8.3 light minutes
  • Size: 0.1-0.4 million km light years
  • Telescope: TRACE satellite
  • Light: Extreme Ultraviolet