2.8: Stars and Dust through Baade's Window

There are billions of stars in the direction of the center of the Milky Way. These stars are also billions of years old. Some are almost as old as the Galaxy. Interstellar dust combines with these stars to create this yellowish starscape. Although the dust does not let much visible light through. There is a low density hole in the dust. It is located on the right side of the photo. This area is called Baade's Window, named after the astronomer who studied it. This hole allows scientists to study stars and the internal geometry of the Galaxy.

2.7: A Jet from the Sun

Our sun emits powerful winds that can even effect satellites orbiting Earth. Although scientist are still debating, it is thought that these winds are caused by Alfvén waves. These waves are formed the sun's magnetic fireld. New images, showing an average of 240 daily plasma jets, support this thesis. The plasma jets fuel the Alfvén waves. The jets and waves are formed when constantmagnetic field lines suddenly shift and drag protons and electons with them. Bright spots are particularly energetic regions or the sun.

2.6: Star Trails at Dawn

This picture was created as the Earth rotated on its axis. Over a period of time the camera to picked up the trails of the stars. The striaghtish lines show the stars close to clestial equator. Orion, Sirius, and Venus are three objects found in the picutre. This photo was taken by combining 477 consecutive 30 second digital exposures recorded over 4.3 hours.