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17h ago

NASA Uses Record-Close Sun Images to Unravel Solar Wind Mysteries

Scientists are studying high-resolution images of coronal mass ejections to refine solar wind source models for better space weather forecasting.

This is the closest ever image of the Sun. You can clearly see the solar wind
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Overview

  • On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe reached just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface and used its WISPR imager to capture the closest-ever high-resolution corona images.
  • Newly released photos show coronal mass ejections colliding and merging in unprecedented detail, providing insights into CME interactions that drive space weather.
  • The probe detected clustered magnetic switchbacks—zigzag fields occurring within 14.7 million miles of the Sun—more frequently than scientists anticipated.
  • Analysis suggests fast solar wind is propelled by switchbacks from coronal holes, while denser slow wind likely originates from helmet streamer loops.
  • Researchers are integrating these observations into advanced space weather forecasts and preparing for the probe’s next close pass on September 15, 2025.