08 Jul , 00:30
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The Sun is not just a giant luminous ball, giving Earth heat and life. It's a real cosmic laboratory, full of mysteries that scientists continue to rack their brains over.
Our star holds many amazing secrets, proving that the Sun is much more complex than it might appear to an Earth observer.
The solar corona is hotter than the surface
This phenomenon puzzles even experienced astrophysicists. While the Sun's surface is heated to 6 thousand degrees Celsius, its outer atmosphere - the corona - reaches temperatures of several million degrees. Why the layer more distant from the core is so much hotter remains one of the main solar mysteries.
The Sun "sings"
Our star continuously generates waves and vibrations resembling musical sounds, although inaudible to human ears. These oscillations serve scientists as a kind of "ultrasound," allowing them to study the internal structure of the Sun similar to how geologists explore Earth's interior using seismic waves.
Solar wind reaches other planets
The continuous stream of charged particles ejected by the Sun permeates the entire Solar System. On Earth, it causes fascinating auroras and can disrupt satellites and electrical grids. However, its influence extends far beyond our planet, reaching the most distant corners of the system.
Sunspots are not just "spots"
These dark areas on the solar surface are zones with lower temperature and powerful magnetic activity. Their appearance follows an 11-year cycle of solar activity. Notably, the number and size of these spots can have a significant impact on Earth's climate.
The Sun can "flare up"
Solar flares are colossal energy releases that occur within minutes. Particularly powerful flares can cause disruptions in radio communications and navigation systems on Earth. Additionally, these cosmic phenomena can affect human health, especially in polar regions.
The Sun is not eternal
Despite the fact that our star will continue to shine for about 5 billion more years, on cosmic scales it has already lived half of its life. In the distant future, the Sun will transform into a red giant, and then into a white dwarf. Such an evolutionary path is typical for medium-sized stars.
Solar secrets are being investigated right now
Modern space missions, including the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, are approaching the Sun at unprecedentedly close distances to uncover the mysteries of solar wind, flares, and atmospheric structure. These spacecraft are already transmitting unique data to Earth, radically changing our understanding of the main star of the Solar System.
The Sun is a powerful luminary without which life on Earth would be impossible. However, the deeper scientists delve into its mysteries, the more new questions arise. It is quite likely that the most astonishing discoveries about our star are yet to come.
