Stable Magnetic Field Modeled 
The sun had just a few, small active regions for several days this week and its magnetic field reflected that state of affairs (Dec. 13-16, 2016). Solar scientists using computer-generated models are able to portray the magnetic field lines of the sun over just about any length of time. Here we can see that the overall magnetic field structure is rather symmetrical, stable and untangled. If there were many active regions, we'd see a much more chaotic field. The sun here is shown in a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. Credit: Solar Dynamics Observatory, NASA.
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- PFSS_171_Dec_sm.mp4 - mp4
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