The wave is moving three times faster than previously thought, according to new research. Scientists describe the waves as a “true mystery” suggesting that there may be other, unknown physical processes at work. They could also offer a unique image of the interior of the Sun, which is usually not observable. The findings come after scientists looked at 25-year-old data collected about the Sun from both space and Earth. They discovered that the new set of waves – known as high frequency retro waves or HFR – appear as swirls on the surface. These vortices or vortices move in the opposite direction from the usual, as well as faster than the theory suggests. Scientists tend to study the universe using conventional astronomy, such as optical light or X-rays. But the interior of the Sun and other stars cannot be examined this way – and scientists must instead watch for waves in the surface to understand the inside of the stars. New HFR waves could prove to be an important way to do this, the researchers say. But it would be useful to know why they are able to move so fast that it is seemingly impossible. Some possible solutions include interactions including other known waves and magnetism, gravity or transport. “If HFR waves could be attributed to any of these three processes, then the finding would have answered some of the open-ended questions we still have about the Sun,” said Chris S Hanson, who led the study. “However, these new waves do not seem to be the result of these processes and this is exciting because it leads to a whole new set of questions.” Scientists hope they can use these waves and more to better understand what dynamics are playing inside the star. This in turn could update the sense of how the Sun affects the Earth and the other planets in the solar system. “The very existence of HFR modes and their origins is a real mystery and can evoke exciting game physics,” said Shravan Hanasoge, co-author of the paper. “It has the ability to paint a picture of the otherwise invisible interior of the Sun.” The findings are described in a new study, “Discovery of High Frequency Swirl Waves in the Sun”, published in Nature Astronomy today.
