NASA Captures Image of M1 Coronal Mass Ejection

An eruption on April 16, 2012, was captured here by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory in the 304 Angstrom wavelength, which is typically colored in red. Credit: NASA/SDO/AIA

As major solar activity continues, NASA captured an image and video of the latest class M1 coronal mass ejection.

A beautiful prominence eruption producing a coronal mass ejection (CME) shot off the east limb (left side) of the sun on April 16, 2012. Such eruptions are often associated with solar flares, and in this case an M1 class (medium-sized) flare occurred at the same time, peaking at 1:45 p.m. EDT. The CME was not aimed toward Earth.

What is a prominence? What is a solar flare? What is a coronal mass ejection?

For answers to these and other space weather questions, please visit the Spaceweather Frequently Asked Questions page.