New Active Region Coming Around

A dynamic active region is coming into view with scads of spurting plasma and magnetic loops darting and blossoming above it (Dec. 16-18, 2012). When viewed in profile (and in extreme ultraviolet light), the loop structures are easier to trace. When this region begins to face Earth in a few days, it may produce solar storms that could influence our “space weather”. We'll be keeping an eye on it.

› Link to associated video