Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the mysterious waves within sunspots, potentially unlocking new insights into solar activity and its impact on Earth.
A team from the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has uncovered the structure of waves in the chromosphere—the sun’s outer layer—specifically within the dark centers of sunspots known as the umbra.
Understanding umbral waves in sunspots is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of the solar magnetic field, energy transfer mechanisms, and improving space weather forecasting. This research could lead to more accurate predictions of solar activity and its effects on our planet.
Waves of energy are common in sunspots and influence the sun’s higher atmospheres. Until now, scientists were uncertain whether these waves were driven by external forces, such as acoustic waves, or originated from the sunspot’s own magnetic and fluid dynamics.
To investigate, the researchers utilized the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph alongside data from other telescopes to closely examine the waves in two sunspots.
For the first time, they discovered that two one-armed spiral wave patterns coexist within the umbra. These patterns can rotate in the same or opposite directions.
By analyzing the spatial distribution of the oscillation centers of these spiral wave patterns, the team found that the chromospheric umbral waves repeatedly emanate from areas with strong wave activity—particularly the darkest and most magnetically intense regions of the sunspot.
The study concludes that chromospheric umbral waves are likely excited by p-mode oscillations within the sun, akin to the resonant vibrations of a musical instrument stirred by the initial plucking of its strings.
This significant finding was published in the journal Solar Physics on May 29. The research not only enhances our understanding of solar physics but also holds promise for advancements in predicting solar phenomena that can affect satellite communications, power grids, and other critical technologies on Earth.
