A duo of Caltech scientists investigating the structures of the solar corona has discovered and replicated a stable equilibrium state for the twisted tubes of plasma which make up solar flares. They published their findings in Physical Review Letters, revealing how these braided magnetic structures hold their form. The findings also show that their behavior is consistent across varying scales.
The team created solar flare replicas up to 50 centimeters long using a vacuum chamber in a laboratory. The magnetized plasma they created in their experiment automatically formed a braided structure of two “flux ropes” wrapping around each other, forming a stable double helix structure.
The study provided answers to a long-standing puzzle. Before now, scientists thought the parallel electrical currents found in such braided ropes should pull them together until they merge. These Caltech researchers have now demonstrated that while the currents flowing along the length of the ropes cause them to attract, the components of the currents flowing in the wrapping direction repel as they are antiparallel. At a “critical helical angle” — the point at which the opposing magnetic forces find balance — a stable, low-energy equilibrium is created.
To demonstrate the scalability of their results, the researchers created a mathematical model that not only predicted the behavior of these structures in their lab, but also accurately described the structure of the Double Helix Nebula. The Double Helix Nebula is a 70-light-year-wide plasma formation located 25,000 light-years from Earth. Using just the observable diameter and twist of the nebula, the model correctly predicted its stable structure.
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.