Updated 23 April 2007

Larger image (3D glasses required for full effect)

GREENBELT, Md. NASA will hold a press conference on Monday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m. EDT to unveil new 3-D images of the sun from the agency's Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO).

For the first time, scientists will be able to see structures in the Sun's atmosphere in three dimensions. The new view will improve space weather forecasting and greatly aid scientist's ability to understand solar physics.

The two nearly identical observatories - one ahead of Earth in its orbit, the other trailing behind - will trace the flow of energy and matter from the Sun to Earth. They will reveal the 3-D structure of coronal mass ejections - violent eruptions of matter from the sun that can disrupt satellites and power grids -- and help us understand why they happen.

STEREO will become a key addition to the fleet of space weather detection satellites by providing more accurate alerts for the arrival time of Earth-directed solar ejections with its unique side-viewing perspective.

In the continental United States, NASA Television's Public, Education and Media channels are carried by MPEG-2 digital C-band signal on AMC-6, at 72 degrees west longitude, Transponder 17C, 4040 MHz, vertical polarization. They're available in Alaska and Hawaii on an MPEG-2 digital C-band signal accessed via satellite AMC-7, transponder 18C, 137 degrees west longitude, 4060 MHz, vertical polarization. A Digital Video Broadcast compliant Integrated Receiver Decoder is required for reception. Analog NASA TV is no longer available.

For more information about STEREO, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv