Spacecraft captures first ever images of the Sun’s mysterious south pole

For the first time ever, scientists have captured images of the Sun’s mysterious south pole, unlocking secrets about our star that could change what we know about space weather, solar cycles and the forces that shape our Solar System.

Here’s what you need to know in this quick 1-minute read:

• Solar Orbiter is the first spacecraft to photograph the Sun’s south pole, offering a brand-new perspective
• This unique view reveals the Sun’s magnetic field is far more complex than previously thought
• Scientists are now able to better track how solar material moves and how the solar wind is launched into space
• The mission’s timing is perfect, capturing the Sun’s poles during a rare magnetic field flip
• These insights could help predict solar storms that affect satellites, power grids, and life on Earth

"Today we reveal humankind’s first-ever views of the Sun’s pole…These new unique views from our Solar Orbiter mission are the beginning of a new era of solar science."
Prof. Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science