Solar Dynamics Observatory Insights

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) launched in 2010 and has provided valuable insights into solar activity over the past decade. Key discoveries include observing Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, capturing detailed solar flares, and witnessing rare events like Venus and Mercury transits. SDO has also contributed to understanding coronal mass ejections and the solar cycle. The mission continues to enhance our knowledge of the sun, with plans to observe the next solar cycle.

What is the primary mission of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)?

• To study the Earth's atmosphere

• To observe the sun and its activities

• To explore the outer planets

• To monitor the moon's surface

What unique solar phenomenon did scientists observe in 2011 using SDO?

• Kelvin-Helmholtz waves

• Lunar transits

• Auroras

• Solar eclipses

What significant event involving Venus was captured by SDO in 2012?

• Venus' transit across the sun

• Venus' orbit around the sun

• Venus' volcanic eruption

• Venus' collision with a comet

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME) as observed by SDO?

• A comet passing by the sun

• A solar eclipse

• A giant plume of material released from the sun

• A type of solar flare

Which comet was observed breaking apart immediately after passing the sun in 2013?

• Comet Encke

• Comet ISON

• Comet Halley

• Comet Lovejoy

What marks the beginning of the decrease in the solar cycle as observed in 2015?

• More comet activity

• Higher sunspot numbers

• Increased solar flares

• Fewer flares and eruptions

What was discovered through old SDO data in 2019?

• A new kind of explosion called forced magnetic reconnection

• A new planet

• A new solar cycle

• A new comet

What is the significance of Mercury's transit across the sun as observed by SDO?

• It is larger than Venus

• It is closer to Earth than Venus

• It appears smaller due to its size and distance

• It causes solar flares

What is the expected duration for SDO's continued observation of the sun?

• Another century

• Another decade

• Another three years

• Another year

What is the average duration of the solar cycle?

• 5 years

• 30 years

• 20 years

• 11 years