The secrets of our Sun
Among the billions of stars in our galaxy, the Sun ensures that Earth has the right temperature to sustain liquid water on its surface, an essential condition for life to form and evolve.
The European missions Ulysses, Soho and Cluster are providing us with information on the Sun’s physical properties, and how it interacts with and influences our planet. Soho, in particular, monitors magnetic storms that can interfere with radio, television, and telephone signals, upset navigation systems on ships and airplanes, and cause blackouts.
In 2015, Solar Orbiter will travel closer to the Sun than any satellite before and will explore the polar regions and other areas not visible from Earth.
For more information on this SOHO image, please click on the following link: SOHO image of the Sun.