Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about the Sun. A newly released video by the European Space Agency (ESA) showcases the Sun’s surface in unprecedented detail, revealing that it appears surprisingly ‘fluffy’ in certain areas.
A Closer Look at the Solar Phenomena
The footage, taken in September last year as the orbiter traveled approximately a third of the Earth’s distance from the Sun, reveals fascinating details of the solar surface. It showcases what resembles threads of yellow plasma, which are actually charged gases following magnetic field lines emerging from within the Sun.
This dynamic display of solar activity includes phenomena such as coronal ‘rain’ and ‘moss.’ Coronal ‘rain’ consists of higher-density plasma clumps that fall back towards the Sun, influenced by gravity, appearing relatively dark in the footage. In contrast, coronal ‘moss’ features delicate, lace-like patterns visible in the video’s bottom left, adding to the surreal visual experience.
The Science Behind the Fluff
What appears as ‘fluffy’ parts on the Sun’s surface are actually intricate, hair-like structures made of plasma—charged gas that follows the magnetic field lines emanating from the Sun’s core. These plasma threads swirl and twist in the extreme environment, painting a dynamic and complex portrait of our closest star.
The Solar Orbiter’s Daring Mission
The footage was taken when the Solar Orbiter was approximately a third of the Earth’s distance from the Sun, which isn’t even the closest this daring spacecraft has approached. On October 7, it ventured even nearer, within about 43 million kilometers of the Sun. This proximity provides an astounding clarity and detail to the footage, allowing us to see features such as coronal ‘rain’ and coronal ‘moss’—the latter being described by the ESA as “delicate, lace-like patterns,” and the former as darker, denser clumps of plasma that cascade back towards the Sun under the pull of gravity.
A Perspective on the Sun’s Immensity
The video also captures dramatic moments of solar activity, including an eruption where cooler material is lifted high above the surface before mostly falling back down—an event larger than the Earth itself. These towering plumes of gas can reach up to 10,000 km in height, underscoring the sheer scale of solar phenomena.
Grasping the Scale of Our Star
For those looking to truly comprehend the vastness of the Sun, the ESA suggests checking out a recent viral image showing Mercury transiting the Sun. The small planet appears almost imperceptible against the backdrop of the massive star, highlighting the immense proportions of the celestial giant that powers our solar system.
This latest footage not only enriches our understanding of solar dynamics but also serves as a vivid reminder of the Sun’s powerful and dynamic nature, providing scientists and astronomy enthusiasts with invaluable insights into the workings of our universe’s central star.
