NASA image shows vast ‘hole’ spreading across the solar surface

An elongated coronal hole stretching across the face of the sun sent solar wind particles gushing toward Earth last week.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has revealed a stunning animation of the phenomenon, showing the massive dark patch marring the surface of our star. Space-weather forecasters warned that the resulting geomagnetic storm, while

minor, could have some effects on satellites and the power grid. And, the activity brought breathtaking auroras dancing across the sky in the higher latitudes. The image shows a coronal hole that opened between January 2 and 5. These are areas in which the magnetic field has opened, allowing solar wind particles to come streaming out. READ MORE