Scientists Pinpoint Sun's Magnetic Engine 200,000 km Below the Surface.

Breakthrough in Understanding the Sun's Magnetic Field

According to TSN.ua: A global team of researchers has determined that the Sun's magnetic field originates approximately 200,000 kilometers beneath its visible surface, in a region called the tachocline. This discovery is key to understanding what triggers solar flares and magnetic storms—events that directly impact space weather and can disrupt technology on Earth.

How the Research Was Conducted

According to the study, the magnetic dynamo is generated around 200,000 kilometers below the Sun's surface. The tachocline serves as a transitional layer between the Sun's inner radiative zone and its outer convective zone. To reach this conclusion, scientists analyzed data from the Doppler instrument aboard the SOHO observatory (a joint NASA-ESA mission) and the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG). These instruments track wave movements through the Sun's interior, recording changes every 45 to 60 seconds.

The team observed rotating plasma bands that create a distinctive 'butterfly' pattern. This pattern mirrors the shifting positions of sunspots over the Sun's 11-year activity cycle. Sunspots are visible markers of magnetic fields emerging at the surface. Importantly, structures formed deep within the Sun can take several years to rise to the surface. The findings have significant implications for predicting space weather, which is critical for satellite operations and electronic systems on Earth.

This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of solar activity and its effects on our planet. It highlights the importance of space weather research, since solar flares and magnetic storms can disrupt satellites, communication networks, and power grids. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena may lead to better strategies for protecting technological infrastructure from the adverse effects of solar activity.