The Sun is a star that is relatively well known because it is close to us. However, it turns out that the central object of our system may be smaller than previously thought. This statement was made by astrophysicists Masao Takata from the University of Tokyo and Douglas Gough from the University of Cambridge.
New research by astrophysicists has focused on sound waves generated and trapped in the hot plasma inside the Sun. These are called “pressure” or p-modes. Scientists say this can provide a “more solid” picture of the interior of our star. The analyzes carried out by scientists showed that the radius of the object is slightly smaller compared to previous knowledge. How much?
The differences only reach hundredths of a percent, which means they are very small. The discovery is currently being assessed, and it is possible that changes in the measurement methodology proposed by the two astrophysicists will have a later impact on the study of the Sun, but also of other stars.
It is worth adding that the Sun is currently very close to reaching the maximum of its own cycle, which lasts about 11 years. This means more activity in the form of sunspots, which may be a source of material being thrown into space. Its contact with the Earth results in the formation of the aurora borealis, but it may also bring negative phenomena. For example, in the form of geomagnetic storms that can cause damage to power lines.
It is worth adding that the Sun has been studied more closely for several years using two very advanced space probes. These are Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. The first of them is the fastest moving in the history of similar devices created by humanity. During the final phase of the mission, it will reach a speed of nearly 700,000. km/h.
Both probes have specialized instruments that have so far provided us with a lot of valuable information about our star. Among other things, we managed to: explore the solar wind in greater detail and much more.
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2023-11-12 09:50:00
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