Scientists Investigate the Switchbacks in the Sun’s Magnetic Field

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Researchers published back on the 29th of April 2020 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters a study that aims to cast a light on the origins of switchbacks, which represent the imminent reversals produced by the Sun’s magnetic field. This phenomenon was first observed with the help of Parker Solar Probe, back in November 2018.

The paper was conducted by the scientists Justin Kasper and Lennard Fisk working for the University of Michigan. Throughout their work, they are showing the origins of switchbacks and their relationship with the Solar system’s magnetic fields. Their research was realized while using a theory that was discovered more than 20 years ago.

The Sun’s magnetic field is composed of closed loops, whose ends are anchored in the surface of the red dwarf. The theory used for this research explains the inner workings of the field line migration, which was implemented by Finsk and colleagues. The less-common open field lines migrate between the north and the south pole of the Sun, which takes approximately 11 years.

Scientists Investigate the Switchbacks in the Sun’s Magnetic Field

The interchange reconnection is the process that happens after a looped magnetic field encounters an open magnetic field. This process allows the open magnetic field line to dive into the closed one, creating a connection that extends outside the solar system.

Tin the end, Sun’s magnetic field is moved by this occurrence from east to west, against the normal rotation standards. These observations are according to the theory that was discovered in 1996 during the ESA/NASA Ulysses mission. This project has managed cast light on the sideways motion of the solar system.

Therefore, this study brings researchers one step ahead to discover the formation and evolution of the solar system by identifying how the switchbacks occur and test scientists’ beliefs in this matter. Therefore, the study aims to unite the two missions that have been the basis of this study to further investigate this phenomenon.

Tiesha loves to share her passion for everything that’s beautiful in this world. Apart from writing on her beauty blog and running her own beauty channel on Youtube, she also enjoys traveling and photography. Tiesha covers various stories on the website.