The fek is this next to our sun?

[R.A.P.H.A.E.L.]

Came across this, verified it is on official images.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJB55KUxP8Q&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/oJB55KUxP8Q&rel=1</a>

You can check it out yourself (assuming no airbrushing) at the following link with following info:
http://sohodata.nascom.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/soho_movie_theater

EIT 171
Start: 2012-03-08
End: 2012-03-12

[Nicotine]

Solar Filament.

http://www.solarham.com/index.htm
Filament and Prominence Liftoff Updated 3/11/2012 @ 23:30 UTC
Today we have a very tightly compacted solar filament tube off the southeast limb. Filaments are large regions that contain very dense, cool gas, held in place by the Sun's magnetic field in the Photosphere Region. These Solar Filaments can sometimes last for several days or months. Filaments and Solar Prominences are the same type of event. This type of event is considered a prominence when it is located off the limb of the Sun and appears bright against the darkness of space. It is called a filament when the cooler gas inside makes it appear darker against the background of the Sun.

UPDATE: A prominence lifted off in the southeast quadrant and a bright plasma cloud is seen racing away from the Sun. Because of the location, the expanding CME will not be directed towards the Earth. Image is below.

There has been a lot of heavy solar activity, and that day also produced some heavy solar flares that effected communications equipment.  

No mystery here, just space coolness.

[Mindgrinder]

Destiny recharging for next jump.

Or not...

G