Latest news with #sun
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Solar Pole Shock: This European Probe Just Captured the First Images Ever of the Sun's South Pole With Stunning Clarity
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 The Solar Orbiter mission has captured humanity's first-ever images of the sun's mysterious south pole. mission has captured humanity's first-ever images of the sun's mysterious south pole. 🔍 The mission revealed a chaotic magnetic patchwork that is key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip. that is key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip. 🌀 The sun's differential rotation twists its magnetic field, leading to periodic reversals every 11 years. 🚀 The data from the Solar Orbiter will enhance our ability to predict solar cycles and mitigate the effects of solar activity on Earth. The unveiling of the sun's south pole marks a groundbreaking moment in solar exploration. For the first time, the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have managed to capture images of this mysterious region, offering new insights into the sun's complex behavior. This daring mission, which involved maneuvering the spacecraft below the solar system's planetary plane, promises to deepen our understanding of the sun's 11-year polarity flip and its chaotic magnetic field. Scientists are hopeful that these revelations will pave the way for more accurate predictions of solar activity, which is crucial for safeguarding our technological infrastructure. First-Ever Views of the Sun's South Pole The Solar Orbiter mission represents a monumental achievement in space exploration. By swooping 15 degrees below the solar equator, the spacecraft captured humanity's first-ever views of the sun's south pole. This region, previously hidden from direct observation, is now in the spotlight, thanks to the collaborative efforts of ESA and NASA. The mission's success marks the beginning of a new era in solar science, as researchers are now able to study the sun's poles in unprecedented detail. Prof Carole Mundell, ESA's director of science, emphasized the significance of this achievement by stating, 'The sun is our nearest star, giver of life and potential disruptor of modern space and ground power systems.' Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as solar activity can have profound effects on Earth, disrupting satellites and power grids. This mission not only highlights the importance of solar research but also demonstrates the capabilities of modern space technology. Revolutionary Solar Tech Unveiled: Ultra-Efficient Panels with Breakthrough Nanolayers Set to Transform Energy at Lightning Speed Magnetic Mosaic Confirmed at Last Beyond capturing images, the Solar Orbiter has also unveiled a chaotic magnetic patchwork at the sun's base. This intricate mosaic, characterized by fragmented north and south polarities, had been predicted by computer models for years but was never directly observed until now. Scientists believe that these observations hold the key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip, a phenomenon that fundamentally alters the solar magnetic field. Prof Lucie Green from UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory, who has been involved with the mission since 2005, remarked on the significance of these findings. She noted that the sun's magnetic field is responsible for its dynamic behavior, transforming it from a quiet star to one filled with explosive activity. By tracking these polar changes, scientists aim to improve forecasts of the solar cycle, enhancing our ability to predict solar storms and protect our technological assets. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Solar Spin Fuels Chaos The sun's unique rotation pattern further complicates its magnetic behavior. Unlike Earth, the sun exhibits differential rotation, with its equator spinning faster than its poles. This uneven spin twists the sun's magnetic field, much like a rubber band being wound up. Eventually, this tension leads to a magnetic reversal, flipping the north and south poles every 11 years. This cosmic reset is a critical aspect of the solar cycle, influencing everything from sunspots to solar flares. Despite decades of research, scientists still struggle to predict the precise timing and intensity of the solar cycle's peaks and troughs. As the sun approaches its next solar minimum, a period of reduced activity, the data collected by the Solar Orbiter will be invaluable. Launched in 2020, the mission will continue to provide insights as it orbits the sun, gradually increasing its observational angle up to 33 degrees by 2029. '56,000 Homes Become a Power Plant': California Firm Creates Largest Virtual Energy Source in US With Revolutionary Grid-Sharing Tech Solar Cycle Phase Characteristics Solar Maximum Increased sunspots and solar flares, magnetic field reversal Solar Minimum Decreased activity, stabilized magnetic field Implications for Future Solar Research The successful imaging of the sun's south pole not only expands our understanding of solar phenomena but also sets the stage for future research. As technology advances, missions like the Solar Orbiter will continue to push the boundaries of what we know about our closest star. The insights gained from these missions are essential for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of solar activity on Earth. As we look to the future, the question remains: How will the knowledge gained from these groundbreaking observations shape our approach to space exploration and our understanding of the universe? The answers could redefine our relationship with the cosmos and our place within it. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
CNN
3 days ago
- Science
- CNN
Never-before-seen footage shows sun's south pole
Solar Orbiter, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency, is revealing the first-ever views of the sun's south pole. These never-before-seen images offer scientists a chance to better understand our star and its effects on Earth.
CNN
3 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Watch: First-ever images of sun's south pole
Watch: First-ever images of sun's south pole Solar Orbiter, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency, is revealing the first-ever views of the sun's south pole. These never-before-seen images offer scientists a chance to better understand our star and its effects on Earth. 01:30 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 14 videos Watch: First-ever images of sun's south pole Solar Orbiter, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency, is revealing the first-ever views of the sun's south pole. These never-before-seen images offer scientists a chance to better understand our star and its effects on Earth. 01:30 - Source: CNN The NHL Stanley Cup's perfect imperfections The Stanley Cup is one of the most iconic trophies in all of sports, but one of the reasons the NHL's championship trophy is so lionized is its perfect imperfections. CNN's Coy Wire spoke to The Keeper of the Cup Howie Borrow for a tour of some of the trophy's character-building bloopers. 01:02 - Source: CNN Storm chaser captures 'unprecedented' view of monster hailstones falling from sky Storm chaser and research scientist Sean Waugh has documented softball sized (or greater) hailstones in freefall with an ultra-high-tech camera mounted on a retrofitted research vehicle. The goal – to study and better understand what makes gigantic hail form, and how to better detect it and ultimately improve severe weather warnings. Sean speaks with CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam while on the road, capturing imagery of this very impactful and expensive natural phenomenon. (edited) 01:47 - Source: CNN Flash flood destroys apartment building An apartment building in West Virginia partially collapsed as flash floods hit the area. The governor's office said at least five people are dead and four people remain missing following the floods. 00:31 - Source: CNN After talking to hundreds of dads, this podcaster shares his two biggest lessons Dr. John Delony speaks to millions of listeners on his popular podcast about mental health, family and relationships. As a therapist, he's used to offering advice to struggling fathers, but we asked him about the biggest lessons he's learned as a dad. 01:32 - Source: CNN Rare deep-sea squid filmed alive for first time Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of the elusive Gonatus antarcticus squid alive in its deep-sea habitat. CNN's Jeremy Roth describes the rare encounter. For more on this story, visit 01:12 - Source: CNN Trump draws boos and cheers at Kennedy Center President Donald Trump drew charged reactions of both admiration and ire at the Kennedy Center's opening night of "Les Misérables." 00:29 - Source: CNN The many adventures of the Stanley Cup Winner's of the NHL's Stanley Cup each get to take the cup for a day and do whatever they want with it. CNN's Coy Wire recounts some of the Cup's wildest days out. 00:43 - Source: CNN BTS members discharged from South Korean military One of the world's biggest boybands could soon be making a comeback with six out of seven members of K-Pop supergroup BTS now discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. The band plans to reunite at some point later this year. 00:47 - Source: CNN Combs requests mistrial for a second time CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister explains that Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team requested a mistrial for a second time, which was denied. Combs' team accused the prosecution of presenting false testimony from Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura's, who testified that Combs dangled her over a balcony. 01:26 - Source: CNN Tennessee sheriff's office airlifts escaped zebra to safety DEK: A zebra, that escaped from its owner in Christiana, Tennessee was captured on Sunday and airlifted to safety by the local sheriff's office. The animal, named Ed, had been reported missing just a day after he was acquired by its owners in Rutherford County. They have since been reunited. 00:35 - Source: CNN Jamie Foxx breaks down during BET Awards acceptance speech Jamie Foxx was overcome with emotion while accepting the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards. He reflected on his 2023 health scare. 00:45 - Source: CNN See what's coming to your iPhone and other Apple devices Apple announced major software updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Most of the new features won't reach users' devices for a few months when OS 26 releases this fall. 01:49 - Source: CNN Coco Gauff reacts to winning the French Open Coco Gauff claimed her second career grand slam singles title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open women's final. 00:46 - Source: CNN
CNN
3 days ago
- Science
- CNN
Never-before-seen footage shows sun's south pole
Solar Orbiter, a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency, is revealing the first-ever views of the sun's south pole. These never-before-seen images offer scientists a chance to better understand our star and its effects on Earth.
CNET
12-06-2025
- Science
- CNET
See the Sun in a Way You've Never Seen It Before, From Above and Below
Every image you've ever seen of the sun is looking at its equator, because Earth's orbit sits there with a 7.25-degree tilt. That means humans have never had a good angle to view the sun's north and south poles until now. The ESA has released images of the sun's north and south poles, giving everyone their first glimpse at the top and bottom of our nearest star. The imagery was taken by the ESA's Solar Orbiter, which began its trek to view the sun's polar regions in 2020. To do this, the Orbiter engaged its boosters, made some adjustments and slingshotted itself around Venus at a staggering 27,000 MPH. Once it reached its destination, it took images using its Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI), the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), and the Spectra Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument. "Today we reveal humankind's first-ever views of the sun's poles," said Professor Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science, in a blog post. "The sun is our nearest star, giver of life and potential disruptor of modern space and ground power systems, so it is imperative that we understand how it works and learn to predict its behaviour. These new unique views from our Solar Orbiter mission are the beginning of a new era of solar science." See the Solar Orbiter's stunning sun view The sun's poles. ESA The images are viewable above or in a YouTube video on ESA's channels. In the video, you can see the view that we Earthlings generally see before the video transitions to the solar orbiter's viewpoint and zooms in so you can see the bottom of the sun in all of its hot, fiery glory. The video is only 50 seconds, but it's 50 seconds of footage that humans have never seen before. Most of the ESA's images and videos are of the sun's South Pole, but the blog post includes imagery of the North Pole as well. For the most part, scientists had no idea what to expect from the data, given that this is the first time any human had seen it before. The full dataset from the Orbiter's first pole-to-pole adventure is set to reach Earth by October 2025, which will give scientists much more to work with in terms of understanding how the sun works. Future orbits will include measurements from all 10 of the Orbiter's tools, so even more information is coming over the next few years.
