A Solar Prominence Erupts

Our Sun is still very active. Last year, our Sun went though Solar Maximum , the time in its 11-year cycle where the most sunspots and explosive activities occur. Sunspots , the Solar Cycle , and solar prominences are all caused by the Sun's changing magnetic field . Pictured above is a solar prominence that erupted on May 15, throwing electrons and ions out into the Solar System . The image was taken in the ultraviolet light emitted by a specific type of ionized helium , a common element on the Sun . Particularly hot areas appear in white, while relatively cool areas appear in red. Our Sun should gradually quiet down until Solar Minimum occurs in 2007.