Happy Solar Minimum!

OK...that doesn't have the best ring to it, but right now the sun is at it's least active state. There is a satellite orbiting Earth called SOHO which has been imaging the sun for the last 12 years. The sun has a solar cycle that has to do with activity such as sun flares & coronal mass ejections (see other post). Anyway, SOHO took images in the ultraviolet wavelength, which is a good indication of energy, over the last 11 years, capturing the complete solar cycle. The most activity was seen in 2001, which means we are on the other end of the cycle now. Solar flares are what can cause really nice auras (Northern Lights). I would like to make a trip up North to see them someday, but Alaska will have to wait until after school...:)
You can check out Astronomy Picture of the Day for a better explanation

Hope this nerds up your Tuesday!!!