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7 September 2026

Sun surface plasma whirlpools discovery

This topic provides scientific context regarding solar phenomena and space technology advancements, which can be used as illustrative examples in GS3 science and technology answers, though it is not a direct exam topic.

1 min read 1 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Researchers used the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) in Hawaii to capture high-resolution images of the sun's photosphere.
  • The study revealed small, violent plasma whirlpools (vortices) at the edges of solar granules.
  • Solar granules are convection cells spanning up to 2,000 km, lasting 5-10 minutes.
  • The whirlpools measure 25-170 km in length, are separated by 65 km, and rotate at 1.6-2.8 km/s.
  • Vortices form at the interface of adjacent fluids moving at different speeds, similar to wind over a river.
  • Simulations suggest these whirlpools exist 100-400 km below the photosphere.
  • These whirlpools are believed to braid magnetic field lines, potentially storing and releasing energy for solar flares and heating the sun's outer atmosphere.
  • The study utilized multi-frame blind deconvolution image processing to achieve a resolution of 19 km.
  • Findings were published in the journal Nature on August 5.

Questions

  1. Explain the significance of the recent discovery of plasma whirlpools on the sun's surface and how they contribute to our understanding of solar atmospheric heating and magnetic energy release. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00

Prelims

  1. Which telescope was used to capture the high-resolution images of the sun's surface revealing plasma whirlpools?

  2. What are the visible features of convection cells on the sun's surface called?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-07/sun-surface-plasma-whirlpools-discovery