A New Kind of Explosion on the Sun

Scientists have observed a new type of magnetic explosion on the sun called forced magnetic reconnection, triggered by solar eruptions. This discovery could help explain why the sun's corona is much hotter than its inner layers. Using NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, scientists observed plasma heated to 6 million degrees and a prominence interacting with magnetic field lines, causing them to reconnect. This event suggests that forced reconnection may contribute to local heating of the corona. Researchers aim to find more such events to understand their mechanics and frequency.

What is the main difference between forced and spontaneous magnetic reconnection?

• Forced reconnection is linked to solar eruptions, while spontaneous is not.

• Spontaneous reconnection requires external forcing, while forced does not.

• Forced reconnection occurs only in the corona, while spontaneous occurs in the photosphere.

• Spontaneous reconnection is always visible, while forced is not.

What tool did scientists use to observe the forced reconnection event?

• Hubble Space Telescope

• NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory

• Chandra X-ray Observatory

• James Webb Space Telescope

What shape did the magnetic field lines form during the reconnection event?

• A circle

• A triangle

• An X shape

• A square

How did the prominence's temperature change during the reconnection event?

• It gained heat.

• It decreased significantly.

• It cooled down slightly.

• It remained the same.

What is one potential implication of forced reconnection for the sun's corona?

• It could be a way the corona is heated locally.

• It has no effect on the corona's temperature.

• It causes the corona to expand.

• It might cool the corona.