For the first time, a detailed map of the Sun's boundary has been created: how it will change space weather forecasting.

According to ТСН: Scientists have created detailed maps of the outer edge of the solar atmosphere for the first time – the dynamic boundary where solar material finally leaves the Sun.

This boundary, known as the Alfvén surface, defines where the solar wind exits the Sun's magnetic influence and irreversibly travels into interplanetary space. The new maps show that during periods of heightened solar activity, this boundary becomes larger, rougher, and uneven.

“Previously, we could only estimate the boundaries of the Sun from afar, without the ability to verify if we had the correct answer. But now we have an accurate map that we can use to navigate along it during our studies,” said the lead author of the study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Sam Bedman from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Understanding this boundary is crucial for explaining key questions of solar physics, including the abnormal heating of the solar corona. It also significantly impacts space weather forecasting and protects satellites, power systems, and astronauts from solar storms.

It is worth noting that the Parker Solar Probe has scientifically documented for the first time how a portion of magnetic material falls back to the Sun after a powerful eruption. New data was obtained during the spacecraft's record close approach to our celestial body in December 2024.

This research opens new horizons in understanding solar activity and its impact on space. The results obtained may soon help develop technologies that protect our planet from dangerous space phenomena.