Open AccessFirst 3‐D images of the Sun
Author(s) -
Kumar Mohi
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/2007eo180003
Subject(s) - spacecraft , observatory , space weather , offset (computer science) , remote sensing , orbit (dynamics) , meteorology , geodesy , astronomy , astrobiology , physics , geology , computer science , aerospace engineering , engineering , programming language
NASA's twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft have produced the first three‐dimensional images of the Sun. The images, released on 23 April, will allow scientists to better understand and model solar storms and the drivers of adverse space weather. Launched on 25 October 2006, the STEREO spacecraft circle the Sun close to Earth's orbit, and are separating from each other on their orbital arc by about 45 degrees per year. Currently, the offset between the spacecraft has grown to the point where simultaneous views of the Sun from each spacecraft provide depth perception when combined, similar to the eyes on a person's face.