Scientists discover faster rotation in Sun's upper atmosphere, challenging classical physics
Researchers have discovered that the Sun's upper atmosphere rotates faster than its visible surface, contradicting classical conservation of angular momentum laws. This finding, led by Indian scientific institutions, aims to improve solar activity models and space weather forecasting.
Why it matters
Refining solar behavior models is critical for protecting global satellite, communication, and power infrastructure from space weather events.
scientists | SUN | DST | Department of Science and Technology | Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences | Ministry of Science and Technology | Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters | ARIES | Udaipur Solar Observatory | USO | Physical Research Laboratory | PRL | Ahmednagar College
Scientists have discovered that the Sun’s upper atmosphere rotates significantly faster than its visible surface, with the rotation speed increasing at greater heights above the solar surface, challenging long-held expectations based on classical physics.
The findings, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters, are expected to improve understanding of the Sun’s behaviour and help refine models of solar activity and space weather, which can affect satellites, communication systems, navigation networks and power infrastructure on Earth.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in