NASA | Spacecraft Track Solar Storms From Sun To Earth

NASA's STEREO spacecraft has solved a long-standing mystery about coronal mass ejections (CMEs) by using advanced data processing techniques. These techniques allow scientists to track CMEs from the Sun to Earth, providing insights into their impact on Earth's systems. STEREO's unique positioning enables a comprehensive view of CMEs, overcoming previous observational challenges. This advancement helps predict CME impacts and understand their transformation during transit.

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME) and what can it potentially affect on Earth?

• A CME is a magnetic storm that can cause tsunamis.

• A CME is a type of solar wind that can change weather patterns.

• A CME is a cloud of plasma that can disrupt satellites and power grids.

• A CME is a solar flare that can cause earthquakes.

How does the STEREO spacecraft improve our understanding of CMEs?

• By capturing high-resolution images of the Sun's surface.

• By monitoring the sky at large angles from Earth.

• By providing a head-on view of the Sun.

• By measuring the temperature of the Sun's core.

What challenge do scientists face when observing CMEs?

• CMEs are much fainter than the full moon.

• CMEs are only visible during solar eclipses.

• CMEs are too bright to observe directly.

• CMEs move too slowly to track effectively.

What was significant about the CME observed by STEREO in late 2008?

• It was the first CME to cause a global blackout.

• It was the largest CME ever recorded.

• It was the first CME to be tracked from the Sun to Earth.

• It was the first CME to be observed from the Moon.

How does the ability to track CMEs from the Sun to Earth benefit scientists?

• It enables better prediction of CME impacts on Earth.

• It helps scientists understand the Sun's core temperature.

• It allows for the discovery of new planets.

• It allows scientists to predict solar flares more accurately.