Images reveal feathery patterns across the Sun’s bright outer layer
The images show a rough, dynamic facade on the Sun’s surface, according to the report. They also reveal strange, feathery patterns moving across the surface.
Looking directly at the Sun without eye protection is dangerous. The researchers viewed the Sun’s scorching surface using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope of the National Science Foundation, which is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
The scientists originally captured the images for a different purpose: to fine-tune the telescope and test the limits of its capabilities. After reviewing the results, they realized they had photographed the Sun’s bright outer layer at a resolution never achieved before.
The images offered a view of the surface’s uneven and active appearance. The feathery patterns moved across the bright layer, adding another visible feature to the high-resolution pictures.
Ruizhu Chen, a solar physicist at Stanford University who was not involved in the new research, said the patterns reminded him of famous paintings. “Me recuerda a pinturas famosas, como los cielos arremolinados en ‘La noche estrellada’ de Van Gogh”, declaró Chen.