News Astronomy

The sun’s outer atmosphere is far more complex than previously thought

Newly analyzed images could help solve mysteries about solar wind and the superhot corona

sun's corona

A CALM FACADE  The outer corona of the sun appears smooth and calm. But freshly analyzed images from NASA’s STEREO spacecraft, which blocks out the sun (center) to bring the corona into view, shows unexpected texture.

NASA

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

NEW ORLEANS — Despite its smooth appearance, the sun’s wispy outer atmosphere is surprisingly full of knots, whorls and blobs.