See the Sun Through Different Wavelengths of Light

Science
See the Sun Through Different Wavelengths of Light

goddard-sun1

Simply “seeing” is no longer enough these days. To better comprehend the complexity of the universe around us we must see it in a different light, in multiple wavelengths of light. NASA Goddard published this video showing the sun as interpreted as a spinning color wheel of light wavelengths, based on data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. I agree with one of the video commenters that I would love this to be my desktop wallpaper!

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As the colors sweep around the sun in the movie, viewers should note how different the same area of the sun appears. This happens because each wavelength of light represents solar material at specific temperatures. Different wavelengths convey information about different components of the sun’s surface and atmosphere, so scientists use them to paint a full picture of our constantly changing and varying star.

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I'm an artist & maker. A lifelong biblioholic, and advocate for all-things geekathon. Home is Long Island City, Queens, which I consider the greatest place on Earth. 5-year former Resident of Flux Factory, co-organizer for World Maker Faire (NYC), and blogger all over the net. Howdy!

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