Solar Prominence

sun · plasma · eclipse · space

Loops of cool gas. Solar prominences are huge structures made of plasma and magnetic fields that extend far out from the Sun's surface, often shaped like giant loops or arches. They're anchored to the Sun but reach way out into the space above it.

Much cooler than expected. Even though the Sun is incredibly hot, the plasma inside prominences is much cooler than the surrounding corona, staying at temperatures similar to the Sun's inner layer called the chromosphere.

Only visible during eclipses. You can only see prominences with your naked eye when the Moon blocks the Sun's bright light during a total solar eclipse, revealing these beautiful structures around the Sun's edge.

Held by magnetism. Magnetic fields act like invisible ropes that hold the prominence's plasma in place, keeping it from flying away into space despite the intense heat and energy around it.

Connected to the surface. Even though prominences stretch millions of kilometers into space, they stay anchored at both ends to the Sun's bright surface called the photosphere.