Our sun hides far more power than we imagined. New research shows solar flares blast particles to extreme temperatures. These flares can now be seen in a very different light.
How Hot Are Solar Flares Really?
A team led by Alexander Russell from the University of St Andrews made the discovery. Using simulations and experiments, the team studied magnetic reconnection. This process powers solar flares by snapping magnetic field lines. Researchers found ions reach up to 60 million degrees Celsius. Electrons heat only up to 15 million degrees Celsius. The large temperature difference lasts long enough to affect light emissions. Scientists say this helps explain mysterious broad spectral lines. These lines had puzzled astronomers since the 1970s.
Previous theories blamed plasma turbulence for the effect. But turbulence could not explain symmetrical and early line broadening. Russell said the solution lies in hotter ions. The new findings suggest ions move so fast they blur light naturally.
Why This Discovery Matters for Space Weather Forecasts
Solar flares are notorious for disturbing satellites and scrambling signals. They can also pose serious risks to astronauts. This study changes how scientists predict space weather events. Earlier models underestimated flare ion energy levels. Now, forecasts may need updating to reflect higher temperatures. Scientists say better models can improve warnings for satellite operators and airlines. A multi-temperature approach will replace older, simpler models.
Dr Russell emphasised the need to treat electrons and ions separately. He said this method is common in other plasma research. Yet it has rarely been applied to solar studies before.
The research appears in The Astrophysical Journal Letters this month.
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