Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - March 30, 2024

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In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists are edging closer to demystifying the origins of the 'slow' solar wind, thanks to data gleaned from the Solar Orbiter spacecraft's inaugural close encounter with the Sun.

Solar wind, a continuous stream of charged plasma particles emanating from the Sun, has long captivated scientific inquiry. However, its enigmatic genesis has eluded researchers for years. A recent study published in Nature Astronomy is now shedding light on this celestial phenomenon.

Distinguishing between the 'fast' solar wind, exceeding speeds of 500 kilometers per second, and its slower counterpart, has been a focal point. The latter, traveling at velocities below 500 kilometers per second, has proven particularly elusive in terms of its source and mechanisms of propulsion.

The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with NASA, launched the Solar Orbiter mission in 2020 to probe these celestial mysteries. Equipped with ten scientific instruments, the spacecraft embarked on a mission to capture unprecedented images of the Sun's surface and unravel the secrets of solar wind dynamics.

Dr. Steph Yardley of Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, spearheaded the research effort, leveraging Solar Orbiter's proximity to the Sun to analyze the intricate nature of solar wind streams. By integrating photographic and instrumental data, scientists achieved a breakthrough in identifying the origins of the slow solar wind.

The study suggests that the slow solar wind originates from regions where the Sun's open and closed coronas intersect. These regions, characterized by the breaking and reconnecting of magnetic field lines, provide a conduit for solar material to escape into space.

Crucially, the research underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, with contributions from institutions worldwide. Daniel Müller, ESA Project Scientist for Solar Orbiter, lauded the mission's success in elucidating the solar wind's origins and its impact on the heliosphere.

Looking ahead, scientists anticipate further exploration of Solar Orbiter data and comparisons with missions like NASA's Parker Solar Probe to deepen our understanding of solar phenomena.

The Solar Orbiter mission represents a landmark achievement in solar research, offering unprecedented insights into the dynamic processes shaping our celestial neighborhood.