Groundbreaking research from MIT and the University of Edinburgh reveals new insights into the sun's magnetic field.

Published in the journal Nature, the study suggests the sun's magnetic field may originate from plasma instabilities in the outer solar layers, not deep within the star.

This discovery could improve predictions of extreme solar storms, which impact Earth's power and communications.

Researchers analyzed helioseismology data and surface vibrations, finding a close correlation between plasma flow in the top 5% to 10% of the sun's surface and observed magnetic fields.

The study highlights the role of magnetorotational instability (MRI) and the near-surface shear layer (NSSL) in driving the sun's magnetic field.

Understanding the sun's magnetic field is crucial during the current solar maximum period for preparing for severe solar storms and enhancing space weather forecasting.