Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA) captured a rare sequence of three solar prominence eruptions during a five-hour observation session held on September 21, 2025. The images were obtained by the ASPIICS coronagraph, integrated into the Proba-3 mission, which operates with two spacecraft in precise formation to study the inner solar corona.
The recording resulted in a time-lapse animation that shows plasma structures expanding from the solar limb. The data was collected every five minutes and combined with images of the solar disk provided by NASA’s Observatório of Dinâmica Solar.
Scientists highlight the rarity of the event, as multiple large eruptions within such a short interval offer valuable data on the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. Observation contributes to the understanding of phenomena that influence space weather.
Operation of mission Proba-3
The Proba-3 mission uses two spacecraft that fly in formation approximately 150 meters apart. Essa configuration allows the creation of artificial solar eclipses in space, blocking intense light from the solar disk to reveal details of the inner corona.
The system requires millimeter precision, maintained by autonomous sensors and thrusters. Desde launch in December 2024, the mission conducted several successful observation sessions, validating the formation flight technology.
Details of the captured eruptions
The eruptions recorded on September 21, 2025 appeared as yellowish structures in the animation produced. Elas consist of solar prominences, formed by cooler plasma that follows Sol’s magnetic field lines.
Researcher Andrei Zhukov, from Observatório Real from Bélgica, emphasized the quality of the images obtained. The observation window coincided perfectly with the period of activity, allowing clear recording of the three consecutive eruptions.
The inner crown reaches temperatures of up to one million degrees Celsius, contrasting with the approximately 10 thousand degrees of the prominences. Essa thermal difference makes structures visible in specific tones in coronagraph images.
Characteristics of solar prominences
Solar prominences are composed of dense plasma that remains suspended by magnetic forces for varying periods. Elas can maintain stability for days or weeks before experiencing instability.
When the magnetic balance is disturbed, material is thrown in various directions. Parte of this plasma can turn into coronal mass ejections, which travel through interplanetary space at high speeds.
These events represent major sources of space weather disturbances. Eles interact with the magnetic field of Terra, which can generate geomagnetic storms with effects on technological systems.
The September 2025 eruptions did not direct significant material toward Terra. Ainda thus, the data collected helps to improve forecasting models.
Innovation of the ASPIICS instrument
The ASPIICS coronagraph works in a distributed manner between the two Proba-3 spacecraft. One acts as an occluder disk, while the other houses the main imaging telescope.
This architecture allows observing regions of the corona closer to Sol than traditional ground-based or single-orbit coronagraphs. Alignment accuracy reaches millimeter levels even over large distances.
The data includes polarimetric information that reveals the density, temperature and movement of the plasma. Esses parameters are essential to understand the origin of the solar wind and coronal ejections.
The tested technology opens up perspectives for future solar observation missions in multiple configurations. Ela demonstrates the feasibility of effective large instruments with smaller satellites.
Context of solar cycle 25
Solar cycle 25 reached its peak of activity between 2024 and 2025, with a significant increase in the number of spots and eruptive events. Previsões indicate maintenance of high levels throughout 2026.
- Record of high-energy flares with greater frequency.
- Increased coronal mass ejections observed.
- Increased incidence of moderate geomagnetic storms.
- Increased visibility of auroras in mid-latitudes.
These indicators surpassed initial projections made at the beginning of the cycle. Continuous monitoring remains essential to anticipate impacts on terrestrial and space infrastructure.
Importance of coronal observation
The inner solar corona remains one of the most challenging regions to study directly. The progressive warming as it moves away from the photosphere does not yet have a complete explanation.
Instruments such as ASPIICS access distances starting at 1.1 solar radii from the center. Previous Observações relied mainly on natural eclipses or coronagraphs with greater limitations.
The data obtained contribute to investigating energy transfer mechanisms in the solar atmosphere. Eles have practical application in predicting events that affect communications and electrical networks.
The Proba-3 mission has accumulated hundreds of hours of scientific observations since the start of operations. The September 2025 record stands out for the density of dynamic phenomena captured.
Applications in space monitoring
Detailed corona information enhances space weather warning systems maintained by international agencies. Previsões more accurate reduces risks for satellites, power grids and manned missions.
Coronal mass ejections can reach Terra in periods of two to four days. Advanced Monitoramento minimizes outages in GPS, communications and electrical distribution.
Proba-3’s flying formation technology extends beyond heliology. Ela enables advances in space interferometry and high-resolution observations in general astronomy.
