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NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission has discovered magnetic distortions in the solar wind, known as "switchbacks." These phenomena, which can cause sudden changes in the magnetic field, potentially threatening communications systems on Earth. The latest research has shown that the cause of these distortions may be solar jets, although the exact mechanism of their formation remains mysterious.
For reference: solar jets are strong streams of plasma that erupt from the surface of the Sun as a result of its magnetic activity. They occur when the Sun's magnetic fields suddenly change, releasing huge amounts of energy.
The Parker Solar Probe mission recorded "switchbacks" — sudden and rapid changes in the direction of the magnetic field in the solar wind. They are rarely found near Earth, but their nature has interested scientists because of the possible effect on the operation of satellites and other technologies. Scientists conducted 3D simulations to reproduce the behavior of plasma in the Sun's atmosphere.
The study showed that solar jets are real capable of creating magnetic distortions, similar to "switchbacks". However, they do not cause a complete reversal of the magnetic field, which is sometimes observed. This means that additional studies of other processes in the solar atmosphere may be needed to fully explain these phenomena.
It is reported that magnetic distortions created by switchbacks can affect navigation systems, radio communications, and satellite operations.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission has discovered magnetic distortions in the solar wind, known as "switchbacks." These phenomena, which can cause sudden changes in the magnetic field, potentially threatening communications systems on Earth. The latest research has shown that the cause of these distortions may be solar jets, although the exact mechanism of their formation remains mysterious.
For reference: solar jets are strong streams of plasma that erupt from the surface of the Sun as a result of its magnetic activity. They occur when the Sun's magnetic fields suddenly change, releasing huge amounts of energy.
The Parker Solar Probe mission recorded "switchbacks" — sudden and rapid changes in the direction of the magnetic field in the solar wind. They are rarely found near Earth, but their nature has interested scientists because of the possible effect on the operation of satellites and other technologies. Scientists conducted 3D simulations to reproduce the behavior of plasma in the Sun's atmosphere.
The study showed that solar jets are real capable of creating magnetic distortions, similar to "switchbacks". However, they do not cause a complete reversal of the magnetic field, which is sometimes observed. This means that additional studies of other processes in the solar atmosphere may be needed to fully explain these phenomena.
It is reported that magnetic distortions created by switchbacks can affect navigation systems, radio communications, and satellite operations.
