Scientists have discovered that the Sun’s upper atmosphere, known as the corona, rotates significantly faster than previously believed, offering new insights into the dynamics of the Sun’s magnetic field and the processes that drive space weather. The findings are based on observations that tracked the motion of plasma structures in the corona, revealing that the outermost layer can rotate more rapidly than the Sun’s visible surface under certain conditions.
The discovery sheds light on the complex interaction between the Sun’s magnetic fields and its superheated outer atmosphere, which reaches temperatures of over one million degrees Celsius. Researchers say the faster coronal rotation could improve understanding of solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt satellites, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.
The study provides valuable data for refining models of the Sun’s internal and atmospheric dynamics, helping scientists better predict space weather events and their potential impacts on Earth’s technological infrastructure.