An Erupting Solar Prominence from SOHO

Our Sun is still very active. In the year 2000, our Sun went though Solar
Maximum, the time in its 11-year cycle where the most sunspots and explosive
activities occur. Sunspots, the Solar Cycle, and solar prominences are all
caused by the Sun's changing magnetic field. Pictured above is a solar
prominence that erupted in 2002 July, throwing electrons and ions out into
the Solar System. The above image was taken in the ultraviolet light emitted
by a specific type of ionized helium, a common element on the Sun. Particularly
hot areas appear in white, while relatively cool areas appear in red. Our Sun
should gradually quiet down until Solar Minimum occurs, and the Sun is most quiet.
No one can precisely predict when Solar Minimum will occur, although some signs
indicate that it has started already!