The bright object in the center of this video sequence is the planet Mercury, seen by NASA’s STEREO-B spacecraft as it was pummeled by wave after wave of solar material ejected from the Sun during the week of March 25 – April 2, 2012.
The video above was released by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center earlier today. The Sun is located just off-frame to the left, while Earth would be millions of miles to the right.
Proof that it’s not easy being first rock from the Sun!
Video credit: NASA/GSFC/STEREO
Messenger must be one seriously shielded spacecraft to survive the near constant bombardment from the sun.
Fantastic video!
Someone should sue the Sun for harassment the planet Mercury.
No proof at all, since Mercury might not be in the path of the CME at all. Remember, a 2D video does not show depth…
that is so cool. we never really get to see an actual planet in our system traveling on its orbit like that.