Our knowledge of the Sun is limited by the fact that direct observations from the Earth are limited to the near side of our nearest star. The sun rotates and eventually all sides come into view, yet, remote imaging of the far side would be of immense use for understanding the solar interior as well as forecasting of solar flares and solar wind ejection. Now a team of scientists has used observations from the soho spacecraft to image the structure of the far side of the sun. They employed heliosiesmic holography to detect reflected acoustic waves from the far side. Now, solar physicists can use this technique to study the evolution of solar phenomenon by observing the sound waves as they travel through the interior of the sun ( Science , Vol 287, p1799).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.