Torsional Alfvén Waves Detected in Sun’s Corona for First Time

Scientists have detected torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun's corona for the first time. The discovery was made using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii. The findings were published in Nature Astronomy.

Waves may explain coronal heating

The waves may help explain the coronal heating problem and the energy source of the solar wind. Professor Richard Morton of Northumbria University led the study. He noted that the movement of plasma in the corona is dominated by swaying motions that mask the torsional motions. He developed a way to remove the swaying to find the twisting.

Morton said the discovery ends a search that began in the 1940s. He explained that researchers have finally been able to directly observe torsional motions twisting magnetic field lines back and forth in the corona. The research provides essential validation for theoretical models describing how Alfvén wave turbulence powers the solar atmosphere.

The detection confirms a long-standing prediction about wave behavior in the Sun's outer atmosphere. The Inouye Solar Telescope's high-resolution capabilities made the observation possible. Further studies may explore how these waves transfer energy through the corona.