Japan's Hinode solar observatory celebrates 10 years in space(Sep 22,2006 -Sep 22,2016)

Hinode, a Japanese satellite, has been observing the sun nearly non-stop since its launch on September 22, 2006.


Hinode, a joint mission of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, has provided amazing imagery and valuable insight into our star – and others throughout the universe – ever since.

To mark Hinode’s first 10 years in orbit, the JAXA and NASA have released a short movie featuring highlights captured during the satellite’s first decade in space.

“The sun is terrifying and gorgeous, and it’s also the best physics laboratory in our solar system,” said Sabrina Savage, project scientist for Hinode at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “In the past 10 years, Hinode has focused on understanding our sun as a variable star.”

Hinode has captured everything from solar explosions to the delicate motion of solar spicules, allowing scientists to study these phenomena in great detail.

As most of Hinode’s instruments are still in good working order, the team behind Hinode hopes to delve even deeper into our nearest star.

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