Astronomers have shown the Sun approaching its peak of activity
By ForGeeks The European Space Agency (ESA) has published photographs of the changing state of the Sun in the extreme ultraviolet spectrum taken by the Solar Orbiter space probe. The images were taken during two approaches of the probe to the star – in February 2021 and October 2023.
European Space Agency (ESA).
The Extreme UltraViolet Imager (EUI) camera was used to capture the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. The photos show the upper atmosphere, where temperatures can reach 1,000,000°C.
The Sun reaches peak magnetic activity every five and a half years. As it approaches this state, more dark regions, plasma, superhot gas and bright spots appear on its surface. A full cycle of magnetic activity lasts 11 years.
The ESA considers Solar Orbiter an important tool for predicting solar cycles, helping scientists predict large flares and coronal mass ejections that affect Earth’s power grids and satellites.
Solar Orbiter is the most important tool for predicting solar cycles, helping scientists predict large flares and coronal mass ejections that affect Earth’s power grids and satellites.
