Solar filaments of gas span the 860,000 mile disk of the Sun. Dark sunspots drift in brighter active regions of glowing gas. Long filaments, each many Earth diameters, streak along the chromosphere as smaller prominences stand out against the blackness of space.
Usage: This image has been extensively used in printed and digital content from planetariums to museums to public, private and government settings worldwide. Notable locations include: The International Year of Astronomy’s “From the Earth To The Universe” exhibit. Seen at over 250 locations in 70 countries. NASA’s Astronomy Picture Of the Day (APOD) and Astronomy 365 – The Very Best of APOD.
