Scientists Capture Highest-Resolution Images Of Sun's Surface, Reveal Unprecedented Feathery Plasma Patterns
Scientists have captured the highest-resolution images yet of the Sun's surface using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii. The images reveal previously unseen feathery plasma patterns and ripples that could help researchers better understand solar storms, coronal mass ejections and their potential impact on GPS systems and Earth.
New high-resolution images from the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope reveal intricate plasma patterns across the Sun's surface | AI Generated Image
New Delhi, August 6, 2026: Scientists have captured the most detailed images yet of the Sun's surface, revealing an unusual and constantly changing façade, including strange feathery patterns.
Telescope Captures Unprecedented Detail
Researchers used the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui, Hawaii, to observe the Sun's scorching surface. Looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection is dangerous.
The scientists had originally taken the images to fine-tune the telescope and test its limits. However, when they examined the results, they realised they had photographed the Sun's bright outer shell at a higher resolution than ever before.
They also spotted unusual feathery patterns rippling across the surface.
“That reminds me of famous paintings, like the swirling skies in Van Gogh's Starry Night,” said Stanford University solar physicist Ruizhu Chen, who was not involved in the research.
Ripples Linked To Magnetised Plasma
Researchers found ripples of instability on the Sun's surface caused by pieces of magnetised plasma moving past one another at different speeds. The phenomenon is similar to waves created when wind blows across water and is well known for its role in governing how fluids move.
Such activity has previously been observed on Earth and planets including Jupiter and Saturn, but “it has not been observed ever at that level on the solar surface,” according to study co-author Friedrich Woger of the National Solar Observatory.
The findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
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Findings Could Aid Solar Storm Study
Scientists are studying the Sun's inner workings to improve their understanding and tracking of coronal mass ejections, massive bursts of energy that can travel towards Earth.
When these eruptions reach Earth, they can cause solar storms that could disrupt GPS communications and produce colourful auroras.
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