Hinode

Launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2006, Hinode was designed to study the Sun's magnetic fields from the photosphere to the corona. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The data helps scientists predict space weather that can impact Earth's satellites and power grids.

Hinode is a collaborative mission primarily led by JAXA, with significant contributions from NASA and the UK Space Agency. NASA provides ground station support via its Deep Space Network to ensure the continuous download of solar data. The three agencies jointly share the scientific data gathered by the satellite's instruments.

The satellite carries three main scientific instruments: the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), the X-Ray Telescope (XRT), and the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). These tools work in tandem to capture high-resolution optical, UV, and X-ray images of the Sun. This allows scientists to view solar phenomena across different temperature layers simultaneously.

Yes, as of the mid-2020s, Hinode remains actively operational, far exceeding its original three-year planned lifespan. It continues to provide crucial data on solar activity and the Sun's dynamic magnetic cycles. Its longevity has allowed it to observe the Sun across multiple 11-year solar cycles.