Get the highest resolution images of a solar eruption

2025/08/26 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astrofisika
• Astronomia

The most detailed images of a solar eruption to date have been obtained by Daniel K. Through the Inouye solar telescope at the H alpha wavelength (656.28 nm). This eruption was of type X, it originated on August 8, 2024, and is the smallest ever recorded in the images. In fact, it is estimated that the average width was 48.2 km. However, X-type eruptions have been reported to be very high in energy in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

According to the researchers, being able to make observations at this wavelength allows us to refine the patterns of solar flares. By the way, since eruptions can jeopardize the functioning of some of the Earth’s infrastructures, it can also provide a way to better understand these structures of the Sun and make better predictions. What’s more, astronomers believe these structures are likely to be the building blocks of larger eruptions. They have been compared to trees: until now they were able to observe forests, while now they are able to see rare trees. This is the measure of progress.