Sun's plasma loops recreated in the lab to help understand solar physics
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 22:30
in Astronomy & Space
In orbit around Earth is a wide range of satellites that we rely on for everything from television feeds to GPS navigation. Although these spacecraft soar high above storms on Earth, they are still vulnerable to weather from the sun. Large solar flares can cause widespread damage, which is why researchers are working to learn more about the possible precursors to solar flares called plasma loops by recreating them in the lab.