RELEASE NO: 98-066P

TRACE MAGNETIC RECONNECTION IMAGE - This image is from a sequence of images taken by NASA's Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) spacecraft. It is the first detailed observation of a relatively small but clear magnetic energy release, called a magnetic reconnection. The magnetic reconnection was observed on May 8, 1998, in a region of the solar atmosphere where two sets of perpendicular cross magnetic loops expanded into each other (bright area in the circle). The high resolution of the TRACE ultraviolet light telescope reveals fine structure in the magnetic loops. Each image in the sequence is taken only 89 seconds apart, revealing change over short time periods. Magnetic reconnection occurs when magnetic fields "snap" to a new, lower energy configuration, much like when a twisted rubber band unwinds or breaks. A magnetic reconnection can release vast amounts of energy, and is responsible for explosive events on the Sun, such as flares, that can cause communication and power system disruptions on Earth. TRACE was launched into orbit on Apr. 1, 1998 from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. This image is available on the internet at: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/ftp/newsmedia/TRACE/ . (Photo Credit: Dr. Alan Title/Stanford Lockheed Institute for Space Research and NASA)

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PHOTO CREDIT: NASA, or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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