Clearest views yet of Sun’s south pole may unlock its mysteries
News Context
At a glance
- The Solar Orbiter, a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, has transmitted groundbreaking images of the Sun's south pole.
- The mission provides a new perspective on the Sun's magnetic field and solar cycle.
- Prior to the Solar Orbiter mission, images were limited to the ecliptic plane, preventing direct observation of the poles.
Solar Orbiter Captures Unprecedented Views of Sun’s South Pole
Updated June 13, 2025
The Solar Orbiter, a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, has transmitted groundbreaking images of the Sun’s south pole. The spacecraft,built by Airbus in the U.K., launched in 2020 from Cape Canaveral, Fla.
The mission provides a new perspective on the Sun’s magnetic field and solar cycle. These observations could lead to better predictions of disruptive solar storms, which can impact satellites and power grids.
Prior to the Solar Orbiter mission, images were limited to the ecliptic plane, preventing direct observation of the poles. The spacecraft altered its orbit using flybys of Venus and Earth.
