1 of 1
Story summary
- U.S. scientists analyzing NASA’s New Horizons data found the solar wind slows near the heliosphere’s outer edge.
- Astrophysicist Heather Elliott said ionized interstellar atoms cause the slowdown.
- Measurements show wind speeds are 5-10% slower between 30-43 AU and 13-15% slower at 58 AU, while New Horizons is 66 AU from the Sun, farther than Voyager 2.
- The findings improve forecasts of galactic cosmic-ray exposure and help plan future deep-space missions.
