Visuals from the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter have revealed chaotic solar magnetism in the solar polar region, with even better images anticipated in the coming years.
The Solar Orbiter captured images of the sun from an angle of 17 degrees below the solar equator, allowing for a direct view of the sun’s south pole. This marks the first time humanity has obtained clear images of the sun’s poles, according to Carole Mundell, director of science for the European Space Agency.
Previous observations of the sun’s poles were limited and unclear, likened to “looking through grass,” as noted by Mathew Owens, a space physicist at the University of Reading. The new images are expected to provide valuable insights into the sun's behavior.
Later this year, the Solar Orbiter will also capture images of the sun’s north pole, enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics as the spacecraft continues to adjust its orbit for improved views.
The Solar Orbiter, which cost $550 million and is equipped with 10 scientific instruments, was launched on February 10, 2020. Its unique orbit allows it to utilize gravitational assists from Venus to achieve a higher vantage point for observing the sun’s poles.
Using its Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager, the Solar Orbiter has captured images of the sun’s magnetic field, revealing patterns of magnetic activity caused by ruptures in the sun’s surface. The sun is currently transitioning from a period of peak activity, known as solar maximum, which occurs in an 11-year cycle.
Observations indicate that the sun's magnetic field may be in a state of flux, lacking a distinct north or south pole at this time. This complexity could impact the understanding of solar maximums and their effects on space weather, which poses risks to satellites and ground infrastructure.
The Solar Orbiter’s SPICE instrument has also captured light from various layers above the sun’s surface, revealing temperature variations in charged gas. The images indicate lower activity at the poles compared to the equatorial regions, where more significant solar eruptions occur.
Additionally, the Solar Orbiter aims to investigate why the solar wind travels faster from the poles than from the equator and to explore the mystery of the sun’s corona, which is significantly hotter than its surface.
By October, scientists expect to receive views of the north solar pole, with plans to compare observations from both poles. Future missions in 2027 and 2029 will allow the Solar Orbiter to reach even higher inclinations, potentially revealing significant changes at the poles.