Scientists have long hypothesized about this phenomenon, but this is the first time it’s been directly observed.
Scientists have captured the first direct evidence of the sun's magnetic field quickly switching directions, which could help explain the mysterious force that flings particles across our solar system.
Related: Ancient solar storm smashed Earth at the wrong part of the sun's cycle — and scientists are concerned Sunspots are cooler, dark patches on the sun where powerful, knotted magnetic fields are created by the flow of the sun's electrically charged plasma. These fields, in turn, can affect plasma in variable ways, depending on if they form open or closed loops.
On planets that have strong magnetic fields, like our own, the planet’s magnetic field, or magnetosphere, absorbs the barrage of solar debris from the solar wind, triggering powerful geomagnetic storms. During these storms on Earth, waves of highly energetic particles slightly compress our magnetic field.
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