Unveiling the Source of the Sun's Magnetic Field

I had the amazing opportunity to witness the northern lights from my own home this month. This incredible sight was made possible by the largest solar storm to hit Earth in twenty years, causing auroras to be visible at latitudes much farther south than usual.

Living in central London, my smartphone camera captured a surprising sight - a green haze and pulsing sheet of purple and pink light. It was an unforgettable moment that I never expected to experience without traveling to the far north.

The stunning auroras I saw are caused by storms from the sun's magnetic field, a mystery that scientists are getting closer to understanding.

Solar update

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory scientists used computer models to generate a four-day, time-lapse view of the sun's changing magnetic field. The field lines are more concentrated in regions more magnetically intense.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory scientists created a time-lapse view of the sun's magnetic field changes using computer models. The magnetic field lines appear more concentrated in areas with higher magnetic intensity.

Studying the sun's magnetic field is key to enhancing space weather forecasting. This type of weather can be mesmerizing to observe but can also cause issues with GPS and communication satellites.

The sun's magnetic field is made up of looping lines that are more intricate than Earth's. These lines are hard to study up close, so scientists rely on mathematical models to understand them better.

A new model, developed over more than ten years with the help of a NASA supercomputer, has revealed that the sun's magnetic field is actually generated much closer to the surface than originally believed.

The research team is confident in the accuracy of their model, as it takes into consideration a distinct solar characteristic.

Long ago, a single gold earring was discovered in the remains of a 2,000-year-old building in the Pyrenees. This finding provides insight into how a destructive fire may have begun. The fire ravaged the wooden structure located in an Iron Age settlement known as Tossal de Baltarga, claiming the lives of six animals that were kept in a stable.

Archaeologists think the fire was done on purpose. If it was an accident, the owners would have saved their animals and come back for their gold hidden in a jar after the fire was out.

A recent study suggests that the ones who started the fire could have been soldiers from Hannibal's army. Hannibal was a Carthaginian general who fought against the Roman Republic.

The fates of the people who used the building are unknown, but the excavation uncovered telling details of the lives of an Iberian people called the Cerretani.

Sky watch

The moon is seen above the megaliths that make up Stonehenge, located on the Salisbury Plain in the county of Wiltshire in England.

The moon is seen above the megaliths that make up Stonehenge, located on the Salisbury Plain in the county of Wiltshire in England.

Andre Pattenden from English Heritage explains that the builders of Stonehenge strategically placed the massive stones in alignment with the sunrise and sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year. This showcases their profound knowledge and connection with the sun, which can still be felt even today.

Could the 4,500-year-old site in southwest England, along with other ancient stone monuments worldwide, be connected to the moon? The theory that Stonehenge has ties to the lunar cycle emerged in the 1960s, but it hadn't been thoroughly investigated until recently.

This summer, archaeologists are using the lunar standstill, a little-known phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years, to investigate.

Across the universe

Space scientists have recently observed the edge of a black hole for the first time. This area is known as the “plunging region.”

Andrew Mummery, the lead author of a new study on black holes and a research fellow at the University of Oxford, described the plunging region as similar to "the edge of a waterfall" at the end of a river. Here, orbiting material from nearby stars falls into the abyss of the black hole.

In the plunging region, matter is unable to remain in orbit and is pulled into the black hole. However, unlike at the event horizon, where nothing can escape, light can still get away at this point.

The study's results, as predicted by Albert Einstein, could assist astronomers in gaining a better understanding of how black holes form and evolve.

Wild kingdom

The Eurasian jay may be capable of a humanlike feat of memory, according to new research.

The Eurasian jay may be capable of a humanlike feat of memory, according to new research.

Philippe Clement/Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Corvids, such as crows, ravens, and jays, are known for their intelligence. Researchers have discovered that one particular corvid species may possess the ability of "mental time travel."

This unique skill allows the bird to remember seemingly insignificant details that were not consciously stored in its memory. For example, it can recall what it ate for lunch the day before.

Eurasian jays that were trained to locate food hidden under cups showed impressive memory skills, according to researchers.

During the experiment, which used cups with different decorations, the jays demonstrated the ability to recall the appearance of a specific cup even after the cups were moved around and some time had passed.

And in other corvid news, crows can count up to four, the latest research has found.

Explorations

Dive into these mind-expanding stories.

— Thomas Midgley Jr. was a gifted American inventor who made a lasting mark on history. However, his ingenious solutions created even bigger problems.

Microplastics have been discovered in human testicles, highlighting the importance of conducting further research to determine the impact of plastics on fertility.

An Austrian winemaker made a remarkable find in his cellar, unearthing hundreds of mammoth bones that an expert described as an extraordinary archaeological discovery.

Don’t leave just yet! NASA has just shared an update on the long-awaited Boeing Starliner crewed mission.

Enjoying what you’re reading? Well, there’s even more to discover. If you want to receive the next edition of Wonder Theory in your inbox, sign up here. This newsletter is brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, who explore wonders like planets outside our solar system and exciting discoveries from ancient times.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a captivating blend of scientific discoveries, historical insights, and celestial wonders. The opportunity to witness the northern lights from central London is a testament to the power of the recent solar storm. The stunning auroras, caused by magnetic field storms from the sun, offer a glimpse into the mysteries of our solar system. The article also highlights the importance of studying the sun's magnetic field for enhancing space weather forecasting and understanding the impact of solar activity on Earth.

Furthermore, the article explores the intriguing fire investigation at an Iron Age settlement, where a single gold earring provides clues about the motivations behind the destruction. The excavation uncovers details of the lives of an ancient Iberian people, while the investigation suggests a possible connection to the army of Hannibal. Lastly, the article delves into the fascinating realm of black holes, providing insights into the "plunging region" where matter falls into the abyss. The study's findings align with Einstein's predictions and contribute to our understanding of the formation and evolution of black holes.