The Atacama Large Millimeter / submillimeter Array ( ALMA ) has been invaluable in studying aloof protoplanetary disk and nebulae , which are very moth-eaten region of the universe , and it is now used to also examine the hottest matter in the region – the Sun .
ALMA ’s ability to reckon between infrared and radio wave urinate it ideal to analyze the chromosphere , the region of the Sun ’s atmosphere just above the Sun ’s visible aerofoil . Over 30 months of observance have produced a never - before - project view of the Sun , include a daub that look like a turtle .
You might express joy at the pareidolia of the astronomers , but whether you see a turtle radiation diagram or not , this particular find is incredible . The macula is twice as wide-eyed as the Earth and it ’s darker than the surrounding region because it ’s colder . ALMA has deliver a temperature mathematical function of the atmosphere of the Sun , which will assist scientist understand how the heat is spread .
" We ’re accustomed to seeing how our Sun look in visible light , but that can only narrate us so much about the dynamic surface and energetic air of our near star , ” Tim Bastian , an uranologist with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory , said in astatement . “ To fully empathise the Sun , we need to learn it across the entire electromagnetic spectrum , including the millimeter and submillimeter fate that ALMA can observe . "
ALMA view of the whole solar disk . ALMA ( ESO / NAOJ / NRAO )
ALMA has 66 in high spirits - precision transmitting aerial , but only one was used for this experimentation . The antenna had to be adapted for the observation . The Sun is many billion times brighter than the usual ALMA target , so several caution had to be put in place to not completely destroy the technical school .
And while the readiness was hard , the results are a success . The undivided aerial can make a modest - resolution map of the Sun in just a few minutes , or acquire more advanced views of finicky neighborhood .
Being so close , the Sun is our best option to translate how stars work , and there ’s plenty that we still do n’t jazz . Hopefully , ALMA can furnish a unique view on the solar mysteries .
