Solar Probes Uncover Mechanism Behind Solar Wind Acceleration
New data from NASA and ESA missions reveal Alfvén waves as key to the solar wind's unexpected heat and speed.
Overview
- Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter observed the same plasma stream at different distances from the Sun.
- Data suggest Alfvén waves dissipate energy, heating and accelerating the solar wind.
- Measurements show solar wind travels faster and is hotter than previous models predicted.
- The findings address long-standing questions about solar wind dynamics since the Space Age.
- Further research aims to confirm the energy transfer process between Alfvén waves and the solar wind.