Magnetic Field of Solar Corona unveiled

The researchers in the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy have studied the interplanetary space of the sun called solar corona.

Highlights

• The charged particles that are radiating from the surface of the sun is called solar wind. 
• These particles expand and fill in entire solar system. 
• The properties of solar corona are completely dependent on the magnetic field of the sun. 
• The magnetic field is produced in the interior and extends outward.

Key Findings of the study

• The Solar Corona can be easily seen during a solar eclipse. 
• The magnetic field lines of solar corona were recorded for over 14 eclipses that occurred in 2 decades.
• According to the observations, during the periods of minimum solar activity, the corona field came straight out of the sun near the equator and poles. 
• During the maximum solar activity, the magnetic field was radial.

Why is the study big?

• The study has become highly important as so far it was assumed that the coronal magnetic field is radial beyond 2.5 solar radii. 
• The study has found that the coronal magnetic field is non-radial to at least 4 solar radii.