Solar Maximum Collection

Solar prominence, ultraviolet SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) satellite image. The prominence (top right), is a dense cloud of plasma, or ionised gas

A gigantic UFO venting plasma from the Sun

Astronaut on Shuttle mission 41-C, 1984. Shuttle astronaut with Solar Maximum Satellite in the hold of the Space Shuttle Challenger

Full Sun with lots of sunspots and active regions in 3D
December 4, 2011 - High resolution image of the Sun with lots of sunspots and active regions in exquisite detail. The Sun appears rounded

An M8. 7 class flare erupts on the Suns surface
January 22, 2012 -An M8.7 class flare erupts on the Suns surface, an earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), and a burst of fast moving

Close-up of a solar eruptive prominence
March 30, 2010 - Close-up of a solar eruptive prominence as seen in extreme UV light

Close-up view of a massive X2. 2 solar flare erupts on the Sun
February 15, 2011 - Active region 1158 let loose with an X2.2 flare, the largest flare since 2006, and the biggest flare so far in Solar Cycle 24

Full Sun showing coronal mass ejection
June 7, 2011 - An M-2 flare occurred on the Sun which released a very large coronal mass ejection (CME). At this wavelength, very little of the ejected material is visible

An intensity M8. 7 solar flare on the Suns surface
January 23, 2012 - An intensity M8.7 solar flare on the Suns surface. A stream of solar material is seen flowing off into space above the hot spot, likely solar protons and a coronal mass ejection

Two solar prominences erupt from the Sun
January 28, 2011 - Two solar prominences erupt from the Sun

Spring eclipse as viewed from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Unlike the crisp shadow one sees on the sun during a lunar eclipse, Earths shadow has a variegated edge due to its atmosphere

A M-2 solar flare with coronal mass ejection
June 7, 2011 - The Sun unleashes an M-2 (medium-sized) solar flare with a spectacular coronal mass ejection. The large cloud of particles mushroomed up

Solar activity on the Sun
February 17, 2011 - Solar activity on the Sun. An X-class solar flare erupts from the suns active region. X-flares are the strongest type of solar flare

Magnetic field lines on the Sun
February 17, 2011 - Magnetic field lines on the Sun

A dark rift in the suns atmosphere known as a coronal hole
An ultraviolet image of a dark rift in the suns atmosphere, known as a coronal hole. This is a vast region where the sunas magnetic field has opened up and allowed the solar wind to escape

Coronal holes on the Sun
January 20, 2013 - Image of the Sun in extreme ultraviolet light captures a heart-shaped dark coronal hole. Coronal holes are areas of the Suns surface that are the source of open magnetic field

A massive X-class solar flare erupts on the Sun
February 15, 2011 - Active region 1158 let loose with an X2.2 flare, the largest flare since 2006, and the biggest flare so far in Solar Cycle 24

Aurora over Paris, 1869
Aurora borealis or northern lights display, over Paris, France, on 13 May 1869, historical artwork. Aurorae, displays of coloured lights in the sky, are rarely seen outside the polar regions

Solar storm, artwork
Solar storm. Artwork of the Sun (left) and Earth (right), showing emanations from the Sun representing the increase in activity seen at the peak of the 11-year solar cycle

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"Solar Maximum: A Spectacular Display of Solar Activity" Witness the awe-inspiring phenomena of solar maximum, where the Sun unleashes its full power and showcases its captivating features. In 1984, during Shuttle mission 41-C, an astronaut had a front-row seat to witness a mesmerizing solar prominence - a towering eruption on the Sun's surface that left us in awe. But it doesn't end there; imagine encountering a gigantic UFO venting plasma from our very own star. This mind-boggling event reminds us of the vastness and mysteries that lie within our solar system. Solar activity on the Sun reaches its peak during this period, with sunspots and active regions dotting its fiery surface. Picture yourself gazing at a stunning 3D view of our radiant star, brimming with energy and intensity. The magnetic field lines on the Sun add another layer of fascination as they dance across its surface. These intricate patterns highlight the complex dynamics happening within our closest celestial neighbor. Prepare for breathtaking moments like when an M8. 7 class flare erupts on the Sun's surface, releasing immense amounts of energy into space. The sheer power displayed by these flares is truly humbling. Zooming in closer reveals captivating details such as eruptive prominences - massive structures bursting forth from the Sun's atmosphere. Their beauty lies in their delicate balance between chaos and harmony. And if you thought things couldn't get more astonishing, behold a close-up view of a colossal X2. 2 solar flare erupting before your eyes. Witness firsthand how nature can create such magnificent displays through these explosive events. Solar maximum offers us an extraordinary opportunity to marvel at the wonders unfolding right above us. It serves as a reminder that while we may be small in comparison to cosmic forces, we are fortunate enough to witness their grandeur unfold before our very eyes.