Watch: NASA shares clip of leaky solar prominence in rare hovering display above the Sun

A Leaky Solar Prominence (Image: Andrea Girones/NASA)

Sky watchers in Canada recently witnessed a mesmerising solar display. A fiery crest of hot gas hovered above the Sun. The spectacle was caught on camera earlier this month.

What exactly is a solar prominence?

A solar prominence is a great arc of hot gas. It is elevated above the Sun's surface, held by magnetic fields. Some prominences endure for days, while others burst rapidly. Their fate depends on changing magnetic directions above the Sun. The magnetic field can guide or eject solar particles.

Why was this prominence different from others?

Most prominences loop neatly back to the solar surface. This one appeared unusual because it hovered without returning. The time-lapse video was recorded from Ottawa, Ontario. It showed plasma dripping back to the Sun’s body. The entire recording covered nearly an hour of activity. The prominence itself was larger than planet Earth.

Hours after the video, the fiery crest dissolved. Instead of flying into space, it disintegrated. The solar plasma returned to the Sun’s surface. The spectacular view left viewers in awe of solar forces.