Origins of solar wind revealed

Origins of solar wind revealed

The origins of the constant flow of charged particles from the Sun, known as the solar wind, and the details of the transition from defined rays in the Sun's upper atmosphere to the solar wind have been a mystery ever since the discovery of solar wind in 1950s….

Solar Probe Plus to fly into the Sun’s upper atmosphere and touch the star

Solar Probe Plus to fly into the Sun’s upper atmosphere and touch the star

NASA's Solar Probe Plus mission has moved one step closer to its launch, scheduled for summer 2018, after passing a design review. After the successful review, the mission will transition to final assembly and implementation. It is the first mission into the…

STEREO maps much larger solar atmosphere than previously observed

STEREO maps much larger solar atmosphere than previously observed

Surrounding the sun is a vast atmosphere of solar particles, through which magnetic fields swarm, solar flares erupt, and gigantic columns of material rise, fall and jostle each other around. Now, using NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, scientists have

Researchers discovered source of solar wind energy

Researchers discovered source of solar wind energy

Researchers have found signs of an energy source in the solar wind, a hot and fast flow of magnetized gas that streams away from the sun’s upper atmosphere. Solar wind is made of hydrogen and helium ions with a sprinkling of heavier elements. Solar wind is