The sun, our best-observed star in the universe, has long been a subject of scientific fascination. From tracking dark spots on its surface to studying the solar wind and magnetic fields, researchers have delved into various aspects of our home star. However, one burning question persisted: why is the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, a staggering 1 million degrees hotter than its surface?
During a recent total solar eclipse, the searing corona could be seen as a glowing halo around the moon-shadowed sun. This year, scientists finally came to understand the mechanisms behind the corona’s extreme heat. Thanks to NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, researchers were able to collect data showing how small-scale magnetic activity within the solar atmosphere contributes to the corona’s incredible temperature.
By studying magnetic fields and the sun’s solar dynamo, located beneath the surface, scientists are unraveling the mysteries of the sun’s activity. Magnetic fields at the surface interact with solar plasma, launching jets and nanoflares that heat the corona. These magnetic fields also give rise to phenomena like sunspots and giant loops, shedding light on the sun’s inner workings.
Through the Parker Solar Probe and ongoing research efforts, scientists are gaining new insights into the mechanisms that drive the sun’s activity, helping to unlock the secrets of our nearest star.
