The Solar Orbiter spacecraft

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has obtained unprecedented footage of the solar wind. This flow of charged particles appeared as massive spiral structures, resembling a giant cyclone. Extending outwards to a distance of up to three solar radii, these formations persisted for over three hours.

These remarkable images were captured by the Metis coronagraph aboard Solar Orbiter. Metis specializes in detecting various types of radiation emitted by the solar corona, while effectively blocking direct sunlight from the star’s surface.

Visualizing the wind's structure represents a significant step forward in understanding its nature. Previously, measurements were confined to localized points reached by the particle flow. Now, scientists have observed a comprehensive, dynamic picture, witnessing how particles accelerate, escape the Sun’s gravity, and form turbulent patterns.

Solar wind continuously interacts with Earth, affecting not only phenomena like the Northern and Southern Lights (auroras), but also influencing satellite operations, communication systems, and navigation technologies. Although its intensity varies with solar activity, the exact formation mechanisms remain unclear.

These new insights from Solar Orbiter promise to enhance our comprehension of these processes. The mission is scheduled to continue until 2026, with a potential extension through 2030.

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