By the time the plasma (charged hydrogen and helium particles) reaches the surface, however, it has cooled to a mere 5,500°C – still white hot, emitting light powerful enough to provide the Solar System with its energy.

Sometimes the plasma erupts from the surface, creating a huge loop structure known as a solar prominence.

The Sun’s extreme conditions create a highly dynamic object. Its outer layers are constantly being shed, creating a solar wind of high-energy particles that sweeps through the Solar System.

Meanwhile, inside the star, the plasma’s motion creates a giant magnetic field that extends 18 billion kilometres from the Sun.

Every 11 years this field flips, causing matter from deep inside the star to bubble up to the surface, exploding in spectacular solar flares. This 11-year period is known as the solar cycle.

Below is a selection of images of the Sun captured by solar astrophotographers.

Observing and photographing the Sun is extremely dangerous and must only be done by experienced observers and photographers using specially designed, safe solar observing equipment.

Otherwise, you could seriously damage your eyesight and equipment.

For more info, read our guides on how to observe the Sun and how to photograph the Sun.

If you are an experienced solar astrophotographer who captures photos of the Sun using certified equipment, don’t forget to send us your images or share them with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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