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News Release 11-003

Plasma Jets Are Suspect in Solar Mystery

Scientists take new look at solar corona

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Narrow jets of material, called spicules, streak upward from the Sun's surface at high speeds.



Credit: NASA



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Jets of plasma from just above the Sun's surface likely replenish its corona.



Credit: NASA



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The Sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, is millions of degrees hotter than its surface.



Credit: NASA



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A solar eclipse showcases the Sun's corona.



Credit: NASA



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The researchers' findings are described in the January 7, 2011 issue of the journal Science.



Credit: Copyright AAAS 2011