Animation of the surface of the Sun, with some solar prominences seen erupting from it. The surface of the Sun is in constant convective motion, as hot plasma from its interior rises to the surface, cools and sinks again, forming a pattern of cells. The Sun's magnetic field is responsible for shaping the loops of cooler, denser plasma that erupt from the surface. If the magnetic field lines become too twisted they can break, hurling plasma outwards in a coronal mass ejection. If these are directed at Earth they can cause bright aurora and electrical interference.