400-year-old mystery of sunspots solved for the first time

(Dan Tri) - Researchers have successfully solved one of the oldest questions about the Sun.

The origin of sunspots has long puzzled scientists . But now, the 400-year-old mystery has finally been solved (Photo: NASA).

Since their first observations by astronomer Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century, sunspots have been one of the most bizarre and controversial phenomena in the history of astronomy.

The dark areas that appear on the surface of the Sun not only have unusual shapes, but also last for long periods of time, sometimes up to several months.

This has puzzled scientists, because the Sun's surface is an extremely chaotic and dynamic environment, with constantly occurring super-hot gas flows and strong magnetic field changes.

So, for more than 400 years, what has helped these sunspots maintain such unusual stability?

Magnetic fields create perfect balance

A new study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics , has provided a convincing answer to this centuries-old mystery.

The international research team, led by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (Germany), applied an advanced observation technique combined with data from the GREGOR solar telescope – one of the most modern telescopes in Europe today.

Magnetic field measured at the same sunspot (Photo: Science Alert).

Using atmospheric turbulence correction, the team eliminated distortions from Earth's atmosphere during data acquisition, allowing them to measure magnetic forces within the sunspot with extreme precision.

Data shows that sunspots are the result of extremely powerful magnetic fields, with the same strength as those in hospital MRI machines, but covering an area larger than the Earth.

This magnetic field prevents heat from reaching the surface, causing the area to cool and appear as dark spots when viewed from a distance. But what's most remarkable is the near-perfect balance between magnetic force and gas pressure inside the spots.

It is this equilibrium that helps them maintain shape and stability over long periods of time, even as the rest of the Sun's surface is constantly changing.

The discovery has huge practical implications, not only helping to solve one of the oldest questions about the Sun, but also opening up the possibility of better predicting dangerous space weather phenomena.

Accordingly, a more accurate understanding of the formation and operation of sunspots will help scientists issue early warnings, thereby protecting the safety of satellites, astronauts and essential technological infrastructure in modern society.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/bi-an-400-nam-ve-vet-den-mat-troi-lan-dau-duoc-giai-ma-20250716133446759.htm