We all deserve a break from the past week's news. This NASA video could be just the right thing.
According to the space agency, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) "captures a shot of the sun every 12 seconds in 10 different wavelengths." The video features images from the past three years, "at a pace of two images per day."
NASA adds:
"There are several noteworthy events that appear briefly in this video. They include the two partial eclipses of the sun by the moon, two roll maneuvers [by the observatory, as it changes position], the largest flare of this solar cycle, comet Lovejoy, and the transit of Venus. The specific time for each event is listed below, but a sharp-eyed observer may see some while the video is playing.
-- "00:30;24 Partial eclipse by the moon
-- "00:31;16 Roll maneuver
-- "01:11;02 August 9, 2011 X6.9 Flare, currently the largest of this solar cycle
-- "01:28;07 Comet Lovejoy, December 15, 2011
-- "01:42;29 Roll Maneuver
-- "01:51;07 Transit of Venus, June 5, 2012
-- "02:28;13 Partial eclipse by the moon"
New York's Daily News calls the video "mesmerizing." The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says it's "dazzling." Gizmodo goes with "gorgeous."
Update at 12:10 p.m. ET. The Music:
We've called NASA to confirm, but it appears the music is by violinist Martin Lass — "A Lady's Errand of Love." Our thanks to "bouwe schmidt crans" who posted that suggestion in the YouTube comments thread of NASA's video.
(H/T to Huff Post Science.)
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