Highlights From SDO's 10 Years of Solar Observation

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) launched in 2010 and has provided valuable insights into solar activity over the past decade. Key discoveries include observing Kelvin Helmholtz waves, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. The SDO has also captured rare events like the Venus and Mercury transits. As the solar cycle changes, SDO continues to monitor the sun, contributing to our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth. The mission aims to extend its observations for another decade, potentially witnessing the rise of the next solar cycle.

What is the primary mission of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)?

• To explore the outer planets

• To observe the Sun and its activity

• To study the Earth's atmosphere

• To monitor the Moon's surface

What unique solar phenomenon did scientists observe in 2011 using SDO?

• Kelvin Helmholtz waves

• Auroras

• Solar eclipses

• Lunar transits

Which rare astronomical event did SDO capture in 2012?

• A meteor shower

• A lunar eclipse

• The transit of Venus

• A solar eclipse

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME) as observed by SDO?

• A release of plasma from the Sun

• A comet passing the Sun

• A solar eclipse

• A type of solar flare

How did SDO contribute to the study of solar flares in 2014?

• By working with the satellite Iris

• By launching a new satellite

• By observing the Moon

• By capturing images of Mars

What significant change in solar activity was observed in 2015?

• The beginning of a new solar cycle

• A massive solar storm

• An increase in solar flares

• A decrease in solar activity

What future plans do SDO scientists have for the observatory?

• To explore Mars

• To study the Earth's core

• To continue observing the Sun for another decade

• To monitor the asteroid belt