Solar eruption. Image 3 of 3. SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) image of the Sun showing a huge coronal mass ejection (CME, lower centre). The image was taken at 12:42pm GMT on 28th October 2003. CMEs are enormous jets of plasma (ionised gas) that erupt from the Sun due to variances in its magnetic field. If the stream of charged particles is directed towards Earth, it may cause electrical blackouts and widespread aurora displays. This flare was the third most powerful ever detected. The frequency of sunspots and eruptions varies on an 11 year cycle. The maximum of this cycle was in 2000. For a sequence showing the eruption, see images R530/119-121.