Telescope reveals details of sun's turbulent surface
Posted January 30, 2020 6:00 am
NEW YORK (AP) - A telescope in Hawaii has produced its first images of the sun, revealing its turbulent gas surface in what scientists called unprecedented detail.
They show the surface covered with bright cell-like areas, each about the size of Texas, that result from the transporting of heat from the sun's interior. The telescope can reveal features as small as 18 miles (30 km) across, according to the National Science Foundation, which released the images Wednesday.
Further observations will help scientists understand and predict solar activity that can disrupt satellite communications and affect power grids, the foundation said. The telescope is on the island of Maui.
FILE - This June 24, 2016 file photo shows workers on the exterior of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii. Scientists at the National Science Foundation have released the telescope's first images of the sun, revealing its turbulent gas surface in what scientists called unprecedented detail. (Matthew Thayer/The News via AP, File)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.