Explanation:┬аWhat does the new sharpest image of our Sun show? Instability. To be clear, a certain kind of interactive process called the┬аKelvin-Helmholtz instability┬а(KHI). This instability can create┬аwaves and swirls┬аwhen two streams flow past each other — in this case variable streams of┬аsolar magnetic plasma. Long hypothesized to occur on the┬аSun’s surface, KHI streaks and swirls were confirmed in just-released dramatic high-resolution images taken recently by the┬аInouye Solar┬аTelescope┬аin┬аHawaii,┬аUSA.┬а The┬аfeatured false-yellow image, actually taken in deep blue, is the highest resolution image yet of┬аthe Sun┬аin┬аvisible light. It spans about the radius of┬аthe Earth, but its finest details are city sized. Visible are several smooth tops of┬аchanging solar granules, while the edges of the flower-like structures have been found to harbor multiple┬аKHI swirls.┬аFuture research┬аmay investigate how the KHI helps move energy, magnetic fields, and may even heat the surrounding┬аsolar corona.
Tomorrow’s picture:┬аRubin’s COSMOS
