The #solarwind, a constant stream of charged particles from the Sun, is far from steady: as these particles interact with the Sun’s fluctuating magnetic field, they follow chaotic paths, creating turbulence.
Thanks to the ESA’s #SolarOrbiter mission and the high-resolution imagery captured by the METIS coronagraph with local measurements at 43.4 million km far from the Sun (less than a third of the Sun–Earth distance), we now have clear confirmation that this #turbulence begins close to the Sun, within its outer atmosphere—the #corona. These findings were made possible through the collaboration between INAF, ASI, and key Italian industry partners like OHB Italia S.p.A.
METIS employs broad-band, polarized and narrow-band imaging technology for screening the solar corona: a unique capability combining three different wavelength #bands by means of a single #telescope.
It is revealing the mechanisms regulating the #solarwind and its journey across the solar system. This understanding is crucial for predicting space weather and its effects on #Earth.
This breakthrough offers a promising future as Solar Orbiter’s unique observations continue to unveil new crucial insights for science and space community.
#SpaceExploration #SolarWind #Metis #SolarOrbiter #SpaceWeather #Innovation
Picture Credits: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/Metis & EUI Teams e D. Telloni/INAF
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