In the new study, researchers analyzed the composition of solar energetic particles heading towards Earth, and found they had the same ‘fingerprint’ as plasma located low in the Sun’s corona, close to the middle region of the Sun’s atmosphere, the chromosphere.

These particles are highly charged and, if they reach Earth’s atmosphere, can potentially disrupt satellites and electronic infrastructure, as well as pose a radiation risk to astronauts and people in airplanes. In 1859, during what’s known as the Carrington Event, a large solar storm caused telegraphic systems across Europe and America to fail. With the modern world so reliant on electronic infrastructure, the potential for harm is much greater.

To minimise the danger, scientists are seeking to understand how these streams of particles are produced so they can better predict when they might affect Earth.

In the new study, published in Science Advances, researchers analysed the composition of solar energetic particles heading towards Earth, and found they had the same «fingerprint» as plasma located low in the Sun’s corona, close to the middle region of the Sun’s atmosphere, the chromosphere.

Co-author Dr Stephanie Yardley (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory, MSSL) said: «In our study we have observed for the first time exactly where solar energetic particles come from on the Sun. Our evidence supports theories that these highly charged particles originate from plasma that has been held down low in the Sun’s atmosphere by strong magnetic fields. These energetic particles, once released, are then accelerated by eruptions that travel at a speed of a few thousand kilometres a second.

«Energetic particles can arrive at Earth very quickly, within several minutes to a few hours, with these events lasting for days. Currently, we can only provide forecasts of these events as they are taking place, as it is highly challenging to predict these events before they occur. By understanding the Sun’s processes better we can improve forecasts so that, when a major solar storm hits, we have time to act to reduce risks.»

Lead author Dr David Brooks (George Mason University and Honorary Associate Professor at UCL MSSL) said: «Our observations provide a tantalising glimpse into where the material that produces solar energetic particles comes from in a few events from the last solar cycle. We are now starting a new solar cycle, and once it gets going we will use the same techniques to see if our results are generally true, or if these events are somehow unusual.

Story Source: Materials provided by University College London. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.