MODEL OF MAGNETIC FIELDS AT SURFACE OF SUN, 1996-10-19 (photo)

Image of a model of magnetic fields at the surface of the Sun developed by using several instruments on board the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, showing data taken October 19, 1996. The green and white plane in the foreground is an image of the solar corona from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) instrument. The high-energy "magnetic carpet" wrapping the Sun could pack enough raw power to heat up its fiery corona, scientists reported November 5. There are about 50,000 of these magnetic fields on the Sun's surface at any one time, and they are constantly shifting, appearing and disappearing, and seem to be replaced about every 40 hours, scientists told reporters at a briefing at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. SPACE MAGNETIC