New milestone in solar research: maps of the Sun's corona magnetic field reveal new insights

The latest advancement in solar physics comes thanks to the NSF Daniel K. Inouye telescope, the most powerful solar telescope in the world. This telescope recently produced the first detailed maps of the magnetic field of the Sun's corona, the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere, marking a crucial moment in understanding how the Sun influences space weather. This achievement is led by Dr. Tom Schad, a researcher at the National Solar Observatory, and it has been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.

These maps will allow for more precise monitoring of solar activities that affect the Earth, such as solar storms and coronal mass ejections. Such events can severely threaten technological systems on Earth, including satellites, power grids, and communication systems. With detailed maps of the corona's magnetic field, scientists are one step closer to understanding how these forces work and how to predict them.

The corona and space weather

The corona is a key area for studying space weather because it is where numerous explosive activities such as solar flares and mass ejections occur. These phenomena create powerful solar winds that can significantly impact Earth. Unlike previous methods, which were limited to the surface of the Sun, the Inouye telescope provides the ability to observe the higher layers of the Sun's atmosphere in detail, revealing complex magnetic interactions in the corona.

Inouye uses a technique known as coronagraphy to create artificial solar eclipses, allowing scientists to observe the corona even when the Sun's light is not completely blocked. This is a key breakthrough as it enables continuous observation of the corona's magnetic fields, which is crucial for predicting space weather events that can affect satellites and the Earth's energy infrastructure.

Instruments and technologies behind the telescope

One of the key instruments enabling these stunning discoveries is the Cryogenic Near-Infrared Spectropolarimeter (Cryo-NIRSP). This advanced device allows detailed measurements of the magnetic field using the Zeeman effect, enabling scientists to precisely observe the magnetic properties of the Sun's atmosphere. This instrument, designed at the University of Hawai‘i, is capable of detecting very faint signals that were nearly impossible to detect with previous technologies.

The telescope is located atop Haleakalā Mountain on Maui, Hawaii, a unique location due to its height and clear skies, allowing for pristine observations. It is equipped with a 4-meter mirror, offering views of solar details unprecedented in the history of solar physics. Thanks to its design, the telescope can measure magnetic fields even in the darkest parts of the Sun's atmosphere, such as the corona, which is invaluable for scientists studying space weather conditions.

Future research opportunities

This discovery opens the door for new research on magnetic fields not only on the Sun but also on other stars. Scientists expect the Inouye telescope to play a key role in understanding how the magnetic fields of stars affect planets in our and distant planetary systems. Precise measurements of the corona's magnetic fields will enable better predictions of solar storms and similar phenomena, helping protect technological infrastructure on Earth.

Thanks to these advanced instruments, scientists will continue to develop sophisticated techniques and tools that will allow for a deeper understanding of magnetic processes within the Sun's atmosphere. This telescope will set new standards in space weather research, paving the way for future generations of researchers and innovators.

This great advancement in Sun science marks the beginning of a new era in the exploration of our solar system. Scientists hope that the results of future research will enable a better understanding of magnetic fields throughout the universe, from our Sun to distant stars and exoplanets.

Source: National Solar Observatory