Faded Object Fully Visible Object
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On January 21 at 7:00 AM GMT, the Solar and Heliospheric
Observatory (SOHO) recorded an unusual object in a routine
image of the solar disk. An analysis of the .GIF image
obtained from the SOHO website on 01/22/04 does not reveal
any sign that the object has been digitally added to the
image, or that the image has been altered in any way.
However, a copy of the .GIF obtained at a different resolution
on 01/27/04 shows an innocuous spot of light similar to a star
where they object was in the original image, with none of the
detail present earlier. It turns out that both images are
authentic.
Although both have identical designations, they are from
slightly different frames of the same video sequence, and
neither shows any sign of digital alteration. The difference
between the two is evidence that the object was changing
appearance very quickly. It was not in motion because it is in
the same place in both frames. This means that the frame
showing it as barely visible has recorded it as it was either
appearing or disappearing.
This behavior, as recorded, rules this out as a passing meteor
or a star. SOHO imagery records these all the time, and they
can sometimes take on very deceiving appearances in
individual frames. But they do not appear and disappear in
the same spot. Different frames of the same sequence show
them in different positions if they are meteors, or with an
unchanged appearance if they are stars.
In the frame where the object is fully visible, it is disk shaped
and domed, and there are two faint balls of what appear to
be plasma just below it. There is no way to tell if they are
emanating from the object, rising toward it, or stationary, or
even whether or not they are in the same plane as the
object. Nor is it possible from the image alone to determine
the actual location of the object in relation to the sun. If the
object was in the same plane as the sun, it would be
immense. If closer to the imaging system, far smaller.
At this time, it is obviously impossible to say what this object
is. However, it is not a digital prank. The original .GIFs are
both undisturbed at this time. (01/29/04 12:45PM Central.)
The .GIF with the object visible in it can be viewed on the
SOHO website by
clicking here. When expanded,
the white dot above the sun becomes the detailed object
seen illustrating this story.
The .GIF with the object in a faded condition can be viewed
here. Expanding the dot
on this image reveals a small spot of light.
Dr. Paul La Violette has written a brilliant book about the
sun. It explains why we had a cataclysm 15,000 years ago,
and what could trigger another one.
