Mesmerizing plasma loops on the sun | Space photo of the day for Sept. 3, 2026

Astrophotographer Mark Johnston captured a stunning image of a coronal loop arcade on the sun from his backyard in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 21, 2026. The image, a still from a high-resolution timelapse, showcases a series of arching loops of hot plasma shaped by the sun's magnetic field, extending high above the solar limb.

Johnston recorded the scene for over two hours, using a specialized hydrogen-alpha solar imaging equipment to reveal the intricate structures within the sun's atmosphere. He was fortunate to capture this rare sight almost side-on at the edge of the sun, revealing the dramatic arching shape in exquisite detail. This is not Johnston's first spectacular solar capture; he previously imaged a colossal plasma cloud and a series of coronal rains cascading back towards the solar surface.

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