Why in the News?
Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have reconstructed the internal magnetic fields of the Sun using 30 years of surface data, improving the ability to predict solar cycles and space weather. The study was published on January 20 in Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Background
- The Sun follows an ~11 year solar activity cycle driving sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections
- These events affect satellites, navigation systems, power grids and communications on Earth
- Prediction is difficult because magnetic fields originate deep inside the Sun, beyond direct observation
What is New in This Study?
- Instead of relying on simplified theoretical assumptions, researchers used a data driven solar dynamo model
- Real observations of surface magnetic fields were fed into a 3D computer simulation
- This allowed reconstruction of the invisible magnetic fields inside the Sun
Key Scientific Findings
- Successfully reproduced the Butterfly Diagram, showing sunspot migration from high latitudes to the equator
- Revealed behaviour of the toroidal magnetic field in the Sun’s convection zone
- Internal magnetic field strength matched actual Solar Cycles 23, 24 and 25
Significance
- Advances understanding of solar dynamo physics
- Enhances space weather forecasting accuracy
- Critical for protecting space based assets and communication infrastructure
| [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3. Power grids could be damaged. 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 |
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