Source
APOD: 2026 August 6 – New Sharpest Image of the Sun Uncovers Instability
The Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii captured the sharpest visible light image of the Sun to date. The images confirm the existence of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, which creates swirls in solar magnetic plasma.
Why it matters
This discovery helps scientists understand how energy and magnetic fields move on the Sun, potentially explaining what heats its outer atmosphere, the solar corona.
The details
- The image spans about Earth's radius with city-sized fine details.
- Images were captured using the Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii, USA.
- KHI creates waves and swirls when two streams of plasma flow past each other.
Show entities and relationshipsHide entities and relationships
In this article
Key connections
National Solar Observatory owns Inouye Solar Telescope
National Solar Observatory operates the Inouye Solar Telescope.
National Solar Observatory is related to United States
National Solar Observatory is based in the United States.
Get the weekly recap
The stories like this one, picked and explained — once a week, straight to your inbox.