A Decade of Sun

Delve into the captivating narrative of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) as it marks a decade of unwavering solar observation. This 4K visualization unveils SDO's unceasing scrutiny of the Sun over the past ten years. Operating from its orbital vantage point around Earth, SDO has amassed a staggering 425 million high-resolution images, equaling 20 million gigabytes of data. This trove of information has been instrumental in unveiling new insights about our closest star and its influence on the solar system. Through the lens of three instruments, SDO captures the Sun's essence every 0.75 seconds, with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument focusing on images every 12 seconds across 10 diverse wavelengths of light. The featured 10-year time lapse showcases images taken at the extreme ultraviolet wavelength of 17.1 nanometers, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the Sun's outermost atmospheric layer, the corona. The movie, which compiles one image per hour, encapsulates a full decade of the Sun's evolution in just 61 minutes. The video also encapsulates the Sun's rise and fall in activity, part of its 11-year solar cycle, and significant occurrences such as planetary transits and eruptions. The accompanying musical composition, "Solar Observer," was artfully created by musician Lars Leonhard. Amidst SDO's vigilant watch, instances of Earth or the Moon blocking its view, as well as instrument-related issues, have resulted in sporadic moments of darkness in the imagery. The video also provides glimpses of remarkable events, with timestamps allowing viewers to explore in detail. The Sun's dynamic journey continues to be observed by SDO and other NASA missions, offering invaluable insights about our place in the cosmos and ensuring the safety of astronauts and assets.