Which visible feature on the Sun’s surface extends outward and is known for being large and bright?

The feature on the Sun’s surface that extends outward and is recognized for its large and bright appearance is known as a solar prominence. Solar prominences are large, bright features that are anchored to the Sun's surface and extend outward into the solar atmosphere, often looping thousands of kilometers high. They are composed of cooler plasma that is suspended in the hotter, ionized environment of the corona. These prominences can last for several days or even weeks and can be seen clearly during a solar eclipse or with the aid of special telescopes that focus on specific wavelengths of light.

In contrast, solar flares are intense bursts of radiation caused by the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots, but they are more transient and occur very suddenly, making them less about a continuous outward extension. Solar shadows do not exist as a recognized solar feature related to the Sun’s activities. Sunspots, while visible features on the Sun, are darker areas caused by magnetic activity and do not extend outward in the way prominences do; they also appear less bright compared to prominences. Therefore, the characteristics and behavior of solar prominences make them the correct choice for this question.