Jan 30,2020:The National Science Foundation (NSF) released the data and images from the first observations from its Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawai’i on Wednesday. The photos and videos reveal a pattern of roiling plasma that blankets the sun’s surface. Each cell-like structure is about the size of Texas.
When the telescope’s construction ends on June 30, it will help carve out a new era in solar science, with help from NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which is circling the sun, and the upcoming Solar Orbiter, which launches next week.
The trio of telescopes could help scientists forecast dangerous eruptions on the sun. They will also produce more photos and videos like those below. Here are the stunning new images, and what to expect next.
“The first light was a very tense but also exciting moment. The atmosphere in the telescope control room was similar to a rocket launch. As first images appeared on the screen, they exceeded my expectations,” Rimmele added.
The 4-meter telescope sits atop the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala on Maui, Hawai’i.
