Total eclipse gives scientists chance to probe sun's mysteries
Scientists plan to use a total solar eclipse that will be visible in Spain next week as a rare chance to learn more about the stormy, unpredictable nature of our star.
Scientists plan to use the total solar eclipse visible in Spain next week as an opportunity to study the sun's magnetic field, atmosphere, and weather, which can disrupt Earth-based systems. During the eclipse on August 12, teams will conduct research on the sun's corona and chromosphere, the outermost layer of its atmosphere. This phenomenon is not new; in 1919, astronomer Arthur Eddington observed an eclipse and confirmed Einstein's theory of relativity using gravitational lensing.
The sun emits matter and charged particles that can cause solar storms, impacting satellites, astronauts, and creating auroras. The sun's activity follows an 11-year cycle, peaking in 2024. Scientists will focus on the corona during the eclipse, which is crucial for understanding solar storms. ESA's Solar Orbiter and Proba-3 missions are using the eclipse to test their models of solar activity.
Total solar eclipses provide a rare chance to study the sun's chromosphere, which is currently inaccessible during regular observations.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
