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On This Day In Space: Sept. 22, 2006: Japan launches Hinode solar observatory

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On This Day In Space: Sept. 22, 2006: Japan launches Hinode solar observatory_650dbd315a17e.jpeg

On Sept. 22, 2006,the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency launched a sun-observing satellite called Hinode, or Solar-B. It was named after the Japanese word for “sunrise.”

Related: The Greatest Missions to the Sun

The satellite orbits about 400 miles (644 kilometers) above the Earth in a sun-synchronous orbit, which means it’s always facing the sun.

The Hinode solar observing satellite launched in September 2006 and has delivered remarkable imagery of solar flares, eruptions, transits and more during its mission. This is an artist’s impression of the satellite with an active sun in the background.  (Image credit: JAXA)
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Since it launched, it’s been measuring the sun’s magnetic fields and taking cool photos of solar flares, sunspots and transits across the sun.

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