The Sun seen from Proba-2's SWAP

This movie is made by combining together individual images from the SWAP (Sun Watcher using APS detectors and imaging processing) instrument on ESA's Proba-2.

SWAP takes one new image of the Sun every minute. This is a marked improvement on its nearest predecessor: The EIT (Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) instrument on the ESA/NASA SOHO mission only takes a new image around every 15 minutes.

The shorter time interval between views should lead to new scientific discoveries and support space weather forecasting. In addition, SWAP has a broader view compared to EIT, being able to off-point from the solar centre to track if plasma leaves the Sun.