First Ever 3D Images of the Sun

Fascinating new 3D images of the sun have been release by Nasa, the US space agency today.

The new pictures are bound to attract the curiosity of even the occasional space follower.

The 3D pictures of the sun were taken by Nasa's "twin Stereo orbiters, which were launched in October. To create the full image data provided by the Stereo orbiters was combined.

The new images will be of great benefit to scientists looking to further understanding of the sun. They will also enable scientist to have a better understanding and formulate better predictions of "space weather."

The images were first shown to the press at a special press conference yesterday. To get the full effect of the images it is necessary to wear 3D glasses. According to Simon Plunkett, the scientist that discussed the impressive images with journalists, the reaction of the first on first seeing the images definitely had the "wow" factor.

Members of the public have plenty of opportunities to see these extraordinary images. It will be possible to view the images online and also at numerous science centers and museums around the US.

Both Stereo orbiters were needed to produce the 3D sun images. The orbiters were launched last October in such a way that one travelled slightly behind the other. The distance was specifically designed to work in a way similar to the human eye, allowing for depth perception. Both orbitors took images of the sun and the information was combined to create the 3D image.

Speaking about how these new images will help scientists make solar storm predictions was one of the creators of the Stereo project, Madhulika Guhathakurta. According to Guhathakurta it will now be possible to confirm previously estimated models on solar storms saying that the images "provide the observations needed to validate models."

Even more impressive with 3D glasses

Credit: Nasa

Copyright: Nasa