NASA | X Marks the Spot: SDO Sees Reconnection

NASA's spacecraft, SDO and Ressie, observed a solar event capturing magnetic reconnection, a process where magnetic fields explosively connect and disconnect, transferring energy. This phenomenon is believed to drive dynamic solar events like flares. SDO traces solar particles along magnetic loops, while Ressie data confirms high temperatures indicating reconnection. These observations provide visual evidence of reconnection producing solar flares, aiding scientists in understanding these eruptions.

What is magnetic reconnection and how does it occur?

How do NASA's spacecraft observe solar particles related to magnetic reconnection?

What happens to solar material during the reconnection process?

Describe the visual evidence that indicates magnetic reconnection.

What role does magnetic reconnection play in solar flares?