Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Solar Orbiter Captures Groundbreaking Views of Sun's South Pole
Imagine the Sun is like a giant ball, and we've always looked at it from the side, like watching a game from the stands.
Now, a special spacecraft called the Solar Orbiter has tilted its orbit, like getting a different angle to see the ball.
This lets scientists see the Sun's South Pole for the first time from a unique viewpoint.
This new view allows them to map the magnetic activity, which is like studying the Sun's weather.
This is a big deal because it could help us understand the Sun better, and the spacecraft will continue to tilt for more pictures.
Solar Orbiter captured the first images of the Sun's South Pole from outside the ecliptic plane.
The ESA-NASA probe's tilted orbit enabled the groundbreaking views.
The new perspective allows for mapping magnetic activity at the Sun's pole.
Carole Mundell from ESA calls this the beginning of a new era of solar science.
The 17-degree tilt is expected to last until December 2026, with further tilts planned.
- Who
- The Solar Orbiter, a joint project by the European Space Agency and NASA.
- What
- Solar Orbiter captured images of the Sun’s South Pole.
- When
- Images were released on Wednesday.
- Where
- In space, observing the Sun.
- Why
- To gain a new perspective and map the magnetic activity at the Sun's pole.
- Probe
- Solar Orbiter
- Organizations
- European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA
- Launched
- 2020
- Angle
- 17-degree tilt in orbit
- Focus
- Sun's South Pole
- Camera
- Yes
- Tilt duration
- Until December 2026