The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a NASA mission launched in 2010 to observe the Sun. It provides high-resolution images of the Sun's atmosphere, helping scientists understand solar variability and its impact on Earth.
Source: nasa.gov
11/05/2016
What's that small black dot moving across the Sun? Mercury. Possibly the clearest view of Mercury crossing in front of the Sun earlier this week was from Earth orbit. The Solar Dynamics Observatory obtained an uninterrupted vista recording it not only in optical light but also in bands of ultraviolet light. Featured here is a composite movie of the crossing set to music. Although the event might prove successful scientifically for better determining components of Mercury' ultra-thin atmosphere, the event surely proved successful culturally by involving people throughout the world in observing a rare astronomical phenomenon. Many spectacular images of this Mercury transit from around (and above) the globe are being proudly displayed. Astrophysicists: Browse 1,250+ codes in the Astrophysics Source Code Library