The solar corona as a research area focuses on the physical processes governing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, characterized by low densities, high temperatures (∼10⁶ K), and complex magnetic structures. It integrates observational solar physics, plasma astrophysics, and magnetohydrodynamics to study coronal heating, magnetic reconnection, wave propagation, flares, and coronal mass ejections. Research emphasizes multi-wavelength diagnostics (EUV, X-ray, radio), spectropolarimetry, and numerical modeling to infer coronal magnetic fields, energy transport, and particle acceleration. This domain is central to understanding space weather, heliospheric conditions, and the coupling between the photosphere, chromosphere, and interplanetary medium.
New research utilizing data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe has provided the first direct evidence of a phenomenon known as the "helicity barrier" in the solar wind. This discovery, published in Physical Review X by Queen ...
Plasma Physics
Jul 8, 2025
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Using the world's largest solar telescope, a team of scientists has captured one of the most detailed views ever of a microflare—a small yet powerful solar explosion. The images are helping scientists understand the complexity ...
Astronomy
Jun 16, 2025
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Scientists analyzing data from NASA's CODEX (Coronal Diagnostic Experiment) investigation have successfully evaluated the instrument's first images, revealing the speed and temperature of material flowing out from the sun. ...
Astronomy
Jun 11, 2025
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Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Craig DeForest discussed the latest accomplishments of NASA's PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission during a media event at the 246th American Astronomical Society ...
Planetary Sciences
Jun 11, 2025
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New research led by a Southwest Research Institute scientist identified a new source of energetic particles near the sun. These definitive observations were made by instruments aboard NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which detected ...
Astronomy
Jun 3, 2025
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The sun's corona—the outermost layer of its atmosphere, visible only during a total solar eclipse—has long intrigued scientists due to its extreme temperatures, violent eruptions, and large prominences. However, turbulence ...
Astronomy
May 27, 2025
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The sun's activity has a profound impact on satellites, humans in space and technology on Earth.
Astrobiology
May 7, 2025
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If you happen to be enjoying a sunny day, thank the bright surface of the sun, known as the photosphere. At a piping hot temperature of about 5,800 K, the photosphere provides nearly all the sunlight Earth receives. But for ...
Astronomy
Apr 24, 2025
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49
Scientists from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, together with scientists from the University of Graz, Kanzelhöhe Observatory, and Columbia University, have discovered how coronal holes—vast magnetic windows ...
Astronomy
Apr 22, 2025
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52
The Southwest Research Institute-led Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission collected its first images following its March 11 launch into polar orbit around Earth. The mission's four small suitcase-sized ...
Astronomy
Apr 18, 2025
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