Story perspectives

Scientists Uncover Sun's Energy Waves, Boost Solar Storm Predictions

10/28/2025

35 5

Summary

Story summary

Scientists have discovered small-scale torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun's corona, explaining why the corona exceeds one million degrees Celsius while the surface is about 5,500 degrees.
Richard Morton of Northumbria University led the work using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii.
The study, published in Nature Astronomy, shows these waves transport energy upward.
The findings could improve predictions of solar storms that threaten satellites and power grids.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists have discovered small-scale torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun's corona, explaining why the corona exceeds one million degrees Celsius while the surface is about 5,500 degrees.
Richard Morton of Northumbria University led the work using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii.
The study, published in Nature Astronomy, shows these waves transport energy upward.
The findings could improve predictions of solar storms that threaten satellites and power grids.