Space The Sun's Hidden Plasma Flow Background: Scientists have discovered a hidden meridional plasma flow in the Sun's upper chromosphere. This enhances our understanding of space weather, which impacts satellites, navigation, communication systems, and power grids. This study was conducted through a collaboration involving ARIES, PRL, IIT Delhi, IIST, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. About the Sun's hidden plasma flow: It involves the slow movement of plasma from the Sun's equator towards the poles. It occurs in the upper chromosphere, at an altitude of approximately 3,000 km above the Sun's visible surface (photosphere). The plasma moves at a speed of 5–15 meters per second. It was discovered by analyzing 27 years of data from Japan's Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) using a new image-comparison technique. Significance: Provides new insights into the solar dynamo—the mechanism that generates the Sun's magnetic field. Improves understanding of the 11-year solar cycle. Enhances the forecasting of solar storms and other space weather events. Offers better protection for spacecraft, satellites, communication networks, navigation systems, and electrical infrastructure against solar activity.
