Gigantic loop of solar plasma is half a million miles long

[Swede]

These features are known as prominences, and they form in the sun's photosphere. Cooler plasma pushes out into the hotter, ionized gases of the Sun's corona, creating massive loops that take about a day to form but can sometimes persist for months. This particular prominence, one of the biggest we've ever seen, isn't expected to last much longer than a few hours, after which it should harmlessly break up.

But right about now, there's a loop of plasma running around the Sun that could encircle the Earth twenty times over. That's absolutely amazing, and here's the particularly crazy bit. That picture above was taken in ultraviolet light. Here's what you'd actually see if you were in space around the Sun right now:

http://io9.com/5707451/gigantic-loop-of-solar-plasma-is-half-a-million-miles-long

[razorman]

1. So, THAT'S where I left it!

[Swede]

2. It's always the last place you look.

:shrug:

[The Doctor.]

3. You know, you're going to need a snazzy hip-case for it.

I can get you one cheap.

Linear-lattice dimensional matrix, hyper-gravitational lensing for viewing. When they ask; "Is that a solar flare in your pocket or are you happy to see me?", you can say "Why... Yes."

[razorman]

4. That sounds great. Then maybe I won't keep misplacing it, along with

my quarks, quasars, and interdimensional wormholes.

[Thor_MN]

5. If I was in space around the sun right now?

Uh.... Aren't I?