New research from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) suggests that the Sun has polar vortices, similar to Earth’s atmospheric vortices but influenced by its magnetic fields. These findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offer new insights into the Sun’s magnetic behavior and solar cycles. The simulations show that vortices form at around 55 degrees latitude and move toward the poles as the solar cycle progresses, shedding vortices along the way. The presence of these vortices changes depending on the solar cycle’s strength, offering clues for predicting space weather and guiding future solar missions.
The study reveals that solar polar vortices, which share similarities with vortices observed on other planets, are shaped by the Sun’s magnetic plasma rather than atmospheric fluids. Unlike Earth’s atmospheric vortices, which can become unstable and lead to cold air outbreaks, solar vortices are influenced by magnetic interactions, and their evolution is still not fully understood due to the challenges of observing the Sun’s poles.
Simulations suggest that these vortices are visible during most phases of the solar cycle except at solar maximum when the Sun’s magnetic fields flip. This new understanding is crucial for planning future missions like NASA’s Solar Orbiter, which might provide the first observations of the solar poles. By offering multiple viewpoints of the Sun, future missions could help answer key questions about solar magnetic behavior and improve space weather forecasts.
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