First-ever photo of Sun’s south pole released
On June 25th, the European Space Agency (ESA) made history by releasing the first-ever photograph of the Sun’s south pole. This groundbreaking achievement was captured by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, a joint mission between ESA and NASA. The photograph was taken between March 16th and 17th using the spacecraft’s Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI), Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), and Spectral Imaging of Coronal Environment (SPICE) instruments.
The release of this unprecedented image has sent shockwaves throughout the scientific community, with many hailing it as a “wonderful achievement”. According to Carole Mundell, an ESA scientist, “It’s a wonderful achievement… We’ve been trying to get a view of the south pole of the Sun for decades, and now we’ve finally done it.”
The Solar Orbiter spacecraft was launched in 2020 with the primary goal of studying the Sun’s polar regions. By doing so, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the Sun’s magnetic field, how it affects the solar system, and ultimately, how it impacts Earth’s climate.
The south pole of the Sun is a region that has long been shrouded in mystery. Unlike the Sun’s equator, which is visible from Earth, the poles are obscured by the Sun’s intense radiation and powerful magnetic fields. This makes it extremely challenging for spacecraft to capture images of the poles, let alone the south pole, which is the least explored region of the Sun.
The Solar Orbiter’s PHI instrument, which was specifically designed to capture images of the Sun’s polar regions, was used to take the photograph. The instrument uses a unique combination of polarimetry and coronagraphy to create high-resolution images of the Sun’s surface and corona.
The released image shows the Sun’s south pole as a bright, wispy region surrounded by a halo of hot, ionized gas. The image is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also provides valuable insights into the Sun’s magnetic field and how it interacts with the solar wind.
Dr. Mundell explained that the image will help scientists better understand the Sun’s magnetic field and how it affects the solar system. “The south pole is a very important region because it’s where the Sun’s magnetic field is strongest,” she said. “By studying the south pole, we can learn more about the Sun’s magnetic field and how it affects the solar system.”
The release of this historic image marks a significant milestone in the Solar Orbiter mission. The spacecraft has already provided scientists with unprecedented views of the Sun’s north pole and is expected to continue to do so throughout its planned five-year mission.
As scientists continue to analyze the image and gather more data, they will undoubtedly uncover new insights into the Sun’s magnetic field and its impact on the solar system. The release of this image is a testament to human curiosity and the power of space exploration to expand our understanding of the universe.
