Solar Orbiter Uncovers Sun's 'Magnetic Avalanches' Triggering Powerful Flares

• ESA's Solar Orbiter spacecraft has captured unprecedented 'magnetic avalanches' on the Sun.
• These avalanches are chain reactions of tiny magnetic sparks that rapidly amplify into colossal solar flares.
• The events accelerate particles to near-light-speed, revealing the Sun's violent energy release mechanisms.
• Instruments SPICE and STIX provided detailed measurements of ultraviolet and X-ray emissions.
• Understanding these cosmic avalanches is crucial for improving space weather predictions and protecting astronauts and satellites.

Why It Matters: Solar Orbiter's discovery of magnetic avalanches revolutionizes understanding of solar flares and space weather.