Is this a true 3D Sun? (October 26, 2007)

Hi-res TIF image (1.0M)

Hi-res TIF image (4.7M)

MPEG Movie: full (5.2M)

Actually, no. This is what we might call a "manufactured" 3D Sun. It was produced by combining two SOHO images from its EIT 195 instrument that were taken 10.5 hours apart on October 23, 2007. Because the Sun rotates once every 27 days or so (about 13 degrees per day then), by using two images almost half day apart, we are achieving about 6 degrees of changed perspective. That is enough to produce a kind of 3D effect - but, of course, the Sun has changed some in those 10.5 hours. To get real 3D, such as the STEREO mission was able to produce for a period of time, you need images taken simultaneously from two different perspectives not too far apart. Still, having said all that, it makes for an eye-catching and interesting image. The most noticeable feature is the large and dark coronal hole that can be seen just right of and below center. It is spewing out high-speed solar wind that could cause aurora to be visible in higher latitudes on Earth several days later. The video clip fades back and forth between one 2D image and the 3D image.

Note: You can learn how to create 3D images here

SOHO began its Weekly Pick some time after sending a weekly image or video clip to the American Museum of Natural History (Rose Center) in New York City. There, the SOHO Weekly Pick is displayed with some annotations on a large plasma display.

If your institution would also like to receive the same Weekly Pick from us for display (usually in Photoshop or QuickTime format), please send your inquiry to steele.hill@gsfc.nasa.gov.