The European Space Agency's (ESA) Solar Orbiter mission has achieved a groundbreaking feat, providing the first-ever clear view of the Sun's poles. This unprecedented perspective, achieved by tilting its orbit out of the ecliptic plane, is set to revolutionize our understanding of the Sun and its influence on space weather.
Launched to study the Sun's outer layers, Solar Orbiter has provided unique insights into the star's magnetic field. The spacecraft's instruments are able to observe the dynamic processes occurring on the Sun's surface, including the movement of solar material and the behavior of the magnetic field.
One of the most significant findings is the tangled state of the Sun's magnetic field at its poles. The spacecraft observed patches of both magnetic polarities at the south pole. This phenomenon, which occurs during the solar cycle's magnetic field flip, happens approximately every 11 years.
Solar Orbiter's continued observations will provide valuable data on the Sun's magnetic field, solar cycle, and space weather. This new perspective will enhance our ability to predict and understand the effects of solar activity on Earth and throughout the solar system. The mission's unique vantage point promises to reshape our understanding of our star.