{
  "id": 5342732,
  "title": "Mesmerizing plasma loops on the sun | Space photo of the day for Sept. 3, 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/mesmerizing-plasma-loops-on-the-sun-space-photo-of-the-day-for-sept-3",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-03T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/mesmerizing-plasma-loops-on-the-sun-space-photo-of-the-day-for-sept-3-2026"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}