Sun in 8k: Scientists reveal the most detailed view of our star yet
Traditional solar telescopes have often had to pick a battle between either providing highly pixelated images or maintaining a large field of view. The VTT, however, allows scientists to combine the best of both aspects owing to its unique ability to maintain spatial resolution during wide angle shots. 100 shot-exposure images can be shot at 25 frames per second in an 8,000 by 6,000 pixels resolution which can later be restored to recreate the image in 8k. The enhanced spatial resolution down to 100 km on the surface allows scientists to overlook distortions caused by the Earth's turbulent atmosphere during observation.
The capacities this groundbreaking opportunity unveils are vast. Capturing the fine details of the Sun's surface allows scientists to better study flares and sunspots which arise as a result of magnetic fields and plasma motions. Tracking these features is a key part of shielding satellites, communication and power grids on Earth from the changes these eruptive events bring to space weather. Solar dynamics can now be better comprehended thanks to the VTT's ability to observe large-scale features that are approximately 200,000 km across.
The smallest magnetic signatures can be identified as bright structures in the photosphere and chromosphere layers by applying specialized filters. 'In order to better understand solar activity, it is crucial not only to analyze the fundamental processes of the fine structure and the long-term development of global activity with various instruments, but also to investigate the temporal evolution of the magnetic field in active regions,' says Rolf Schlichenmaier, scientist at the Kiepenheuer Institute for Solar Physics (KIS).
The VTT is also well-equipped with various other advanced instruments such as the HELioseismic Large Region Interferometric Device (HELLRIDE), the Laser Absolute Reference Spectrograph (LARS), and the Fast Multi-line Universal Spectrograph (FaMuLUS) which allow scientists to study solar activity more comprehensively.
The telescope is living proof of how existing instruments can be attached to cutting-edge technology in order to increase the research output they provide. Carsten Denker, head of the Solar Physics Section at AIP, says, 'The results obtained show how, together with our partners, we are teaching an old telescope new tricks.'
A study published in the journal Solar Physics provides more details about this innovative technology and its scientific applications.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
What is a solar eclipse and when does it occur? NASA says it happens occasionally
Various social media posts have claimed that a solar eclipse is set to happen on August 2, 2025 during which the world will plunge into darkness for six minutes. These claims have confused skywatchers around the world, with many looking forward to the solar eclipse. But these claims have been refuted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), stating that " 'no solar eclipse is scheduled for that date'. NASA has clarified that the total eclipse is on August 2, but the year is 2027, which is being called the " Eclipse of the Century ". Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Public Policy MCA Data Science others Degree Others Healthcare Data Science Project Management Cybersecurity Leadership MBA healthcare Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing CXO Management Technology Design Thinking PGDM Data Analytics Product Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details ALSO READ: Solar Eclipse on August 2 in US? What NASA has said on world going dark for 6 minutes by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain? This Morning Trick Helps Wellnee What is a solar eclipse? Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth line up, either fully or partially. Depending on how they align, eclipses provide a unique, exciting view of either the Sun or the Moon, says NASA. "A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun's light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year," according to NASA. Live Events NASA advises observers to always use eclipse glasses or an alternative safe solar viewing method, such as a pinhole projector, to view the Sun. This includes when watching a partial or annular eclipse, or before or after totality for a total solar eclipse . ALSO READ: Sydney Sweeney's controversial ad campaign draws Trump's attention, he says 'advertising a very funny thing' What is a total, annual, partial and hybrid solar eclipse? A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, says NASA. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. ALSO READ: Stimulus payments August 2025: These US states will receive financial benefit. Do you qualify? "A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape," according to NASA. Because Earth's surface is curved, sometimes an eclipse can shift between annular and total as the Moon's shadow moves across the globe. This is called a hybrid solar eclipse. Is there a solar eclipse today? What is being dubbed as the 'Eclipse of the century' will take place on August 2, 2027. This total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for a duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Its long duration makes the eclipse a rare occurrence, marking it as the most significant celestial event, something which will not happen till 2114.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Solar Eclipse on August 2: NASA update on entire world going in '6 minutes of complete darkness'
A false claim has been circulating online stating that the entire world will go dark for 6 minutes on August 2, i.e. today due to a solar eclipse. Some posts on social media further claim that the phenomenon is one of the rare ones and will not occur for a century, generating curiosity and public fear. But experts have confirmed that it is a hoax. There is no global blackout coming in 2025. In fact, NASA's astronomical records show the next total solar eclipse of such magnitude is scheduled for August 2, 2027, not 2025. Here's what you need to know about the buzz around the celestial phenomenon NASA records show no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025 According to NASA's astronomical data, the next total solar eclipse of this magnitude will occur on August 2, 2027, not in 2025 as suggested by viral claims and rumours spreading online. Further, this event will be a significant celestial occurrence, but it will not darken the entire world. The eclipse will cast the Moon's shadow over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, creating a spectacular but localized event. The rest of the world, including North America and large parts of Asia, will not witness this eclipse at all. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo The August 2, 2027, total solar eclipse is being called the 'Eclipse of the Century' because it will offer the longest duration of totality on land in the 21st century — lasting up to 6 minutes and 22 seconds, the longest since 1991. The path of totality—the area where the Sun will be completely blocked—will be about 160 miles (258 km) wide, stretching over 9,462 miles (15,227 km) and covering parts of 11 countries, including: Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. For those within this path, the sky will briefly turn dark in broad daylight, creating a dramatic twilight effect. Areas outside this path may see a partial eclipse, but no blackout. What happens during a total solar eclipse A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes directly between the Earth and the Sun. As a result of this celestial movement, the Sun's light is blocked, casting a shadow on parts of Earth. During totality, viewers see the Sun's corona—its outer atmosphere—which is usually hidden by the Sun's glare. Total solar eclipses are visible only from a narrow strip of land, and their duration is typically just a few minutes. Next Solar eclipse on September 21, 2025 While no total eclipse will occur in 2025, a partial solar eclipse is expected on September 21, 2025. During this event, the Moon will partially obscure the Sun, making it appear as though a 'bite' has been taken out of it. This partial eclipse will not cause darkness, nor will it be visible worldwide.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Is there a total solar eclipse today (August 2) and six minutes of darkness across world? What NASA said
Social media posts recently have claimed that a total solar eclipse is set to happen on August 2, 2025, during which the world will go dark. These claims have confused skywatchers around the world, with many looking forward to the solar eclipse. However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA has come forward to clarify these claims, stating that 'no solar eclipse is scheduled for that date', reported The Economic Times A total eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, and will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal.(Reuters/Representational Image) When is the next solar eclipse? The false claims confuse the year entirely with a total solar eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027. A partial eclipse is planned to occur on 21 September 2025. According to the NASA website, a total eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, and will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. This is the kind of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned, resulting in only a part of the Sun appearing to be covered by the Moon. Real date when Earth will go dark What is being dubbed as the 'Eclipse of the century' will take place on August 2, 2027. This total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for a duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Its long duration makes the eclipse a rare occurrence, marking it as the most significant celestial event, something which will not happen till 2114. For skywatchers across the globe, this event will be visible from various regions, including northern Morocco, northern, central Egypt, southwest Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the northeastern tip of Somalia. What is a total solar eclipse A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon entirely covers the face of the Sun, blocking its light from reaching Earth. When this occurs, people from certain locations in the centre of the Moon's shadow are able to experience a brief period of darkness. Also, a ring shape is formed of the Sun's light covered by the Moon, noting that the weather conditions are favourable.
