Solar Dynamics Observatory, illustration. This spacecraft was launched by NASA in February 2010 on a 5-year mission to carry out studies of the Sun. It has three main instruments, the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI, centre right), the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE, lower centre), and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA, upper left). The high-gain antennas are at bottom right. Solar panels (blue) provide power. The instruments are used to take detailed measurements of the Sun's magnetic field, the solar atmosphere, and the type of radiation produced. |