NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have captured images of the Sun’s south pole for the first time, revealing that both the magnetic north and south poles are located on the same side of the star as seen from Earth. The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, launched in 2020, has been studying the Sun’s magnetic field and behavior.
The Sun’s poles are difficult to observe due to its massive size and our planet’s stable orbit around it. However, the Solar Orbiter was able to get close enough to capture images of the south pole using its Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument. This discovery could provide valuable insights into the Sun’s behavior and impact on Earth.
The solar maximum is currently underway, which causes the star to belch out more radiation and charged particles. This increase in activity poses a risk to electronic systems on Earth, but scientists are eager to study it. The Solar Orbiter has scanned the Sun to understand how this magnetic change affects solar outbursts.
By analyzing data from the SPICE instrument, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the Sun’s behavior and predict its future behavior. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining our technological systems and protecting against space weather events.
The Solar Orbiter will continue to study the Sun over the next few years, making several close encounters with Venus to adjust its course. The spacecraft is expected to reach a stable orbit around the Sun by 2030, allowing it to transmit data back to Earth regularly.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/12/solar_orbiter_south_solar_pole_pics