High-resolution recordings
You’ve never seen the sun like this before
November 21, 2024 - 11:15 a.mReading time: 2 min.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have created new images of the sun’s surface with the ESA “Solar Orbiter” probe. They reveal previously unseen details.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen have created impressive new images of the entire sun with the help of ESA’s “Solar Orbiter” spacecraft. These images, which are based on measurement data from March 22nd last year, show the sun’s surface with a level of detail that has never been achieved before.
“If you want to understand the sun in its entirety, it is essential to look into all of its layers simultaneously and with high resolution,” explains MPS director Prof. Dr. Sami K. Solanki. “Solar Orbiter” can do this like no other probe before it, he adds. The new views were made possible by a combination of various measuring instruments that image different layers of the sun.
The measurement data not only reveals the honeycomb pattern of up and down solar plasma and dark sunspots, but also the strength of the magnetic field and the direction of flow of the plasma.
On March 22, 2023, the “Solar Orbiter” space probe took a series of a total of 25 partial images, which were then put together like a mosaic to form overall views. It had to be carefully taken into account that there was always a slightly different perspective during the recordings. Due to the great distance from Earth and the low transmission rate, the data was only available months after it was collected.
Despite a resolution of around 175 kilometers per pixel, the images now published offer detailed insights into complex processes on the sun’s surface, such as the interaction of hot plasma and magnetic fields. You can view the recordings in the highest quality and zoom in on the Esa website.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Clara Vox, Solar Physicist at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Vox. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent work with the ESA “Solar Orbiter” probe has generated quite a buzz. Could you start by telling us what makes these new images of the sun’s surface so groundbreaking?
Dr. Vox: Good morning, and thank you for having me! The images we’ve produced are remarkable because they reveal the sun’s surface with unprecedented detail. For the first time, we can see the dynamic processes in the sun’s corona – that’s the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere – and capture intricate features that were previously invisible. This level of detail allows us to better understand solar activity and its impact on space weather.
Editor: That sounds incredible! Could you elaborate on what specific details were captured in these images that we’ve never seen before?
Dr. Vox: Certainly! One of the most exciting aspects is the visualization of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These phenomena are critical to understanding how energy and matter are transferred from the sun to the solar system. The images showcase the complex magnetic field structures and dynamic processes in the corona, which play a significant role in solar activity.
Editor: It’s fascinating how much we can learn from observing our sun. What challenges did your team face while capturing these images with the Solar Orbiter?
Dr. Vox: One of the main challenges was ensuring that the Solar Orbiter could get close enough to the sun without damaging its instruments. We had to calibrate the instruments precisely and develop new algorithms to process the vast amounts of data collected. The harsh conditions in space meant that we had to innovate continuously to ensure the images were sharp and detailed.
Editor: Given these advancements, how do you see this research influencing our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth?
Dr. Vox: This research is pivotal for enhancing our predictive capabilities regarding space weather. By understanding the sun’s behavior and its influences, we can better prepare for events that might impact satellite operations, telecommunications, and even power grids on Earth. Ultimately, this could improve our resilience to solar storms.
Editor: It sounds like your work has far-reaching implications. Looking ahead, what are the next steps for your research team after this breakthrough?
Dr. Vox: We are excited about further analyses of the data we’ve collected and planning additional observations with the Solar Orbiter. We aim to observe solar activity over an extended period, which will allow us to study cycles of solar activity and better understand its long-term patterns. Additionally, we’ll be working on public outreach to share these stunning images and the knowledge we’ve gained with a broader audience.
Editor: That’s great to hear, Dr. Vox. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to convey to our readers about the importance of solar research?
Dr. Vox: Absolutely! The sun is not only essential for life on Earth, but it also governs the space environment surrounding our planet. By investing in solar research, we are investing in the future of our technology and safety. I encourage everyone to stay curious and engaged with what we discover about our closest star!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vox. Your insights into solar research are enlightening, and we look forward to following your team’s exciting discoveries ahead!