Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding the Sun’s complex dynamics by coordinating observations from both ground-based and space-based instruments. In October 2022, the National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui collaborated with the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft to create an unprecedented stereoscopic view of a decaying active region on the Sun. This collaboration allowed researchers to observe solar phenomena from multiple perspectives, enhancing our comprehension of solar dynamics.
The Inouye Solar Telescope, located near the summit of Haleakalā, specializes in capturing high-resolution images of the Sun’s middle layers, namely the photosphere and chromosphere. Meanwhile, the Solar Orbiter, positioned closer to the Sun, gathers data on the hotter transition region and corona. By merging the detailed ground-based observations with the spacecraft’s aerial insights, scientists can now trace solar structures from their roots deep in the solar atmosphere to the outer layers.
The collaboration has led to the discovery of structures known as “campfires.” These tiny, extreme ultraviolet brightenings had largely gone unnoticed until recently due to limitations in earlier instrumentation. While each campfire appears insignificant on its own, their sheer abundance suggests they could hold crucial answers to long-standing questions regarding the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
The findings indicate that these campfires may play a significant role in explaining why the Sun’s corona reaches temperatures exceeding 1,000,000 degrees Celsius, while the visible surface remains comparatively cool at around 5,500 degrees Celsius. The ability to track how these small-scale events interact with larger magnetic structures provides valuable insights into solar heating processes.
In a remarkable demonstration of precision, the instruments were able to capture data that translates to a scale unimaginable at such great distances. To illustrate, consider standing at one end of a football field, with the Sun represented by a chair at the far end. On that chair sits a banknote, symbolizing the Solar Orbiter’s field of view. Within that area, a tiny coin represents the observing window of the Inouye Solar Telescope, while the structures being studied are smaller than half the thickness of a penny. This level of detail is being achieved from 150 million kilometers away.
The ESA has emphasized the transformative nature of this scientific collaboration, highlighting how it enhances our understanding of solar phenomena. By observing the Sun from different vantage points, scientists can now explore how these campfires interact with larger solar structures, ultimately contributing to the heating of the solar corona.
This innovative approach marks a new era in solar discovery, offering a more comprehensive view of our local star and paving the way for future research into solar dynamics. As astronomers continue to unravel the complexities of the Sun, the implications for our understanding of solar activity and its effects on space weather remain profound.
