Solar prominences are dense clouds of ionized gas projecting from the Sun’s surface, known as the chromosphere. The chromosphere of the Sun covers all of its surface and can reach temperatures of over 36,000 degrees F. Although not to be confused with solar flares, they look like large extensions of the Sun’s surface, as shown in the right side of the picture. These prominences are commonly caused by a large release of energy from the Sun’s magnetic field which shape and anchor them to the Sun’s surface. These prominences can reach up to 100,000 km in size, which is over 10 times the diameter of the Earth. Also, the continuous energy from the sun means that these prominences can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, making them one of the longest-lasting characteristics of the Sun!
