A NASA satellite captures a curious photo of the Sun smiling
A NASA satellite this week captured an image of what appeared to be happy-face-like markings on the sun, and the agency did not hesitate to release it, jokingly saying that they had managed to capture the sun “smiling”.
NASA posted the image on one of its Twitter accounts and added the scientific explanation for the phenomenon: “Today, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory caught the sun ‘smiling’. Viewed in ultraviolet light, these dark patches on the sun appear These are known as coronal holes and they are regions where the solar wind gushes out into space.”
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory is dedicated to investigating solar activity and how it drives space weather. This satellite was launched on February 11, 2010 to measure the interior of the sun, its atmosphere, magnetic field and energy production.
Say cheese! 📸
Today, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory caught the Sun "smiling." Seen in ultraviolet light, these dark patches on the Sun are known as coronal holes and are regions where fast solar wind gushes out into space. pic.twitter.com/hVRXaN7Z31
— NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) October 26, 2022
The cute NASA photo has generated many responses from users, among whom many say it looks like a Halloween pumpkin, in tune with the upcoming celebration.
However, although it resembles a smiley face, NASA scientists warned that these coronal holes in the Sun may imply that the Earth will be affected by a solar storm this Saturday.
