Solar Orbiter's first views of the Sun: image gallery
ESA's Solar Orbiter, launched on 10 February 2020, performed its first close approach to the Sun in mid-June, capturing unique views of our nearest star. No other images of the Sun have been taken from such a close distance, enabling scientists to catch a glimpse of new, interesting phenomena.
Full story: Solar Orbiter’s first images reveal ‘campfires’ on the Sun
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Closer than ever: Solar Orbiter’s first views of the Sun
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![$video.data_map.short_description.content](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/videos/2020/07/solar_orbiter_sees_campfires_on_the_sun/22136166-1-eng-GB/Solar_Orbiter_sees_campfires_on_the_Sun_pillars.png)
Solar Orbiter sees ‘campfires’ on the Sun
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![Solar Orbiter first images and measurements](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2020/07/solar_orbiter_first_images_and_measurements/22134184-2-eng-GB/Solar_Orbiter_first_images_and_measurements_article.jpg)
The full Solar Orbiter First Images photo gallery is available here.