New Data on the Sun and Solar Wind

New observations of the Sun and the solar wind provide significant tools for understanding the mechanisms that affect the Earth and the planets of the solar system, according to Dr. Georgios Nikolaou, Lecturer in Space Plasma Physics at University College London (UCL).

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has provided detailed images of the solar wind close to the Sun, while the ESA's Solar Orbiter, in collaboration with NASA, observes the surface of the Sun, providing images of its poles.

The solar wind is the continuous flow of charged particles from the Sun into space. Scientists are studying the sources and mechanisms of the solar wind.

Dr. Nikolaou explained that the study of the Sun and the solar wind is essential for understanding various physical mechanisms in the universe. Solar activity can affect satellite systems, telecommunications, energy networks, and human health. The field of research dealing with the assessment of the effects of solar activity on Earth is called space weather.

Observations from the Parker Solar Probe allow the study of solar material in the early stages of its formation. The images show the interaction of Coronal Mass Ejections.

The Solar Orbiter photographed the south pole of the Sun and recorded the movements of material on the surface of the pole and the complexity of the magnetic field.

Hundreds of scientific articles have been published using observations from the Parker Solar Probe and the Solar Orbiter, with some studies combining observations from both spacecraft.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ