The Sun’s hidden particle engines finally exposed

Solar Orbiter researchers identified two types of Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs): "impulsive" particles from intense solar flares and "gradual" ones from coronal mass ejections (CMEs). By measuring events at various distances from the Sun, scientists discovered how these particles behave in space, explaining delays between solar events and particle detection. This breakthrough helps distinguish between the two types, crucial since CME-related particles pose greater threats to spacecraft and astronauts, improving space weather forecasting.