Credit by Google
Solar Orbiter solves magnetic switchback mystery
Credit by Google
According to a blog post from the European Space Agency, the Solar Orbiter probe achieved the first-ever remote sensing observation of a solar "switchback."
Credit by Google
The mission's new findings provide fresh insight into a puzzling behaviour that had previously only been postulated.
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It might contribute to the understanding of how solar wind is accelerated around the solar system.
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The new observation, according to the ESA, is the "first indication of a switchback in the solar corona."
Credit by Google
was made with the METIS coronagraph instrument on board the Solar Orbiter.
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Up until now, solar switchbacks have only been theorised.
Credit by Google
While it did not record any images, NASA's Parker Solar Probe, for instance, noticed sudden reversals in the magnetic field of the sun.