Plasma loop in the solar corona, 2011-07-08

Photo of a plasma loop used in a public education display entitled "A Cosmic Connection: The Sun and it's Influence on Earth". The caption for the image reads: The sun seethes with magnetic energy. This picture shows a loop of plasma (electrified gas) heated to about 80,000 degrees C (145,000 degrees F) in the solar corona - the Sun's atmosphere. It glows with high energy UV light as it flows along curving magnetic field lines. Sporadic eruptions on the Sun can spew enormous amounts of magnetized material into interplanetary space, potentially impacting the Earth. Image coutest of NASA/SDO and the A1A science team.