Magnetic field lines emerging through the surface of the Sun (IMAGE)
Caption
Magnetic fields are produced by a dynamo mechanism inside stars and emerge through the surface to the outer atmosphere, where they generate stellar magnetic storms, energetic radiation fluxes, and govern the strength of escaping plasma winds. Studying these magnetic fields can shed light on the stellar midlife crisis – a sudden switch to a low activity phase and the existence of inactive phases such as the Maunder Minimum when hardly any sunspots are observed on the Sun.
Credit
NASA / GSFC / Solar Dynamics Observatory
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Adaptations must be shared under the same terms.
License
CC BY-SA