Solar wind is a continuous, supersonic outflow of ionized plasma from the solar corona into interplanetary space, consisting primarily of electrons, protons, and alpha particles embedded in the interplanetary magnetic field. It arises from coronal heating and open magnetic field structures, with typical speeds of ~300–800 km/s and densities of a few particles per cubic centimeter at 1 AU. Solar wind exhibits distinct regimes, notably fast and slow wind with differing composition and turbulence properties, and drives key heliophysical phenomena including the formation of the heliosphere, bow shocks, and magnetospheric dynamics such as geomagnetic storms and auroral activity.
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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Southwest Research Institute scientists have discovered how solar activity affects the velocity distribution and evolution of helium pickup ions.
Astronomy
May 21, 2025
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One year ago today, representatives from NASA and about 30 other U.S. government agencies gathered for a special meeting to simulate and address a threat looming in space. The threat was not an asteroid or aliens, but our ...
Planetary Sciences
May 10, 2025
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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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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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A strong solar storm headed to Earth could produce colorful aurora displays across more U.S. states than usual Tuesday night.
Planetary Sciences
Apr 15, 2025
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Scientists have hypothesized since the 1960s that the sun is a source of ingredients that form water on the moon. When a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind smashes into the lunar surface, the idea goes, it ...
Space Exploration
Apr 15, 2025
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27
A massive wave of solar wind that squished Jupiter's protective bubble has been detected for the first time.
Planetary Sciences
Apr 3, 2025
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