The large cloud of dust that appears to be extending off of the surface of the Sun is what is called a prominence. Solar prominences are enormous clouds of gas that are held near the Sun by its magnetic fields. A quiescent prominence last about a month, whereas an eruptive prominence will erupt much more quickly. The expulsions of hot gas seen in the photograph are eruptive prominences. Prominences appear darker than the Sun because they are slightly cooler than its surface. This particular one (seen on the top right side of the Sun in this photo) is the largest one yet on record. It is large enough to fit the mass of Earth inside of it.
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