DiscoveryOctober 8, 2026
Solar Orbiter traces origin of magnetic switchbacks in solar wind
ESA's Solar Orbiter has flown through an S-shaped magnetic switchback, tracing its origins directly back to the surface of the Sun.
The European Space Agency-led Solar Orbiter spacecraft has flown directly through an S-shaped kink in the solar wind's magnetic field, known as a switchback. By analyzing the unique particle signatures trapped within the fold, scientists traced the switchback's origin directly to the solar surface.
Understanding the origins of these magnetic field reversals provides insights into the behavior of solar magnetism, which drives hazardous space weather and solar storms.