Sun’s south pole revealed for first time, in images from Solar Orbiter spacecraft
SMRTR summary
Solar Orbiter spacecraft has captured the first-ever images of the sun's south pole, revealing a chaotic patchwork of magnetic activity. The $1.3bn joint ESA-NASA mission, launched in 2020, dipped 15° below the solar equator to observe the mysterious polar regions. These groundbreaking observations are crucial for understanding the sun's 11-year magnetic field flip and improving solar cycle forecasting. The mission will continue to increase its orbital tilt, reaching 33° above the planetary plane by 2029.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to The Guardian.
Read the original article