The European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft has sent back the first-ever video and images of the Sun’s south pole to Earth. This breakthrough will enable scientists to study how the Sun cycles between periods of intense storms and quiet times.
These images show a shimmering bright atmosphere with temperatures reaching up to 1 million degrees Celsius, alongside darker clouds of gas that are cooler but still extremely hot. The pictures provide unprecedented detail on the Sun’s behavior, helping scientists understand how it works and potentially predicting its future activity.
The Sun’s magnetic fields play a crucial role in determining when it produces solar storms that can affect satellite communication and power grids on Earth. Scientists have identified two phases of the Sun’s behavior: one with ordered magnetic fields and another with chaotic and complex fields.
The reversal of these magnetic fields towards the poles is a significant area of study, as it has been difficult to predict using computer models. The Solar Orbiter mission will now allow scientists to measure the fluid flows that transport magnetic field pieces to the polar regions.
The ultimate goal is to develop more accurate forecasts for space weather events, which can impact satellite operators, power distribution companies, and aurora watchers. While this achievement marks a significant step forward, Prof Christopher Owen notes that more work needs to be done to achieve reliable predictions.
Additionally, the Solar Orbiter spacecraft has captured new images of chemical elements at different layers of the Sun and their movement using an instrument called SPICE. These measurements can reveal how particles are flung out from the Sun in the form of solar wind, providing further insights into the Sun’s behavior.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyqry9ppl9o