Scientists get a new clue to the origin of solar wind 'switchbacks'

Scientists have discovered a new clue about the origin of solar wind 'switchbacks', a phenomenon that occurs when the sun's magnetic field twists and turns. This new understanding could help us better predict space weather, which can disrupt satellite operations and power grids on Earth.

The research, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, suggests that these switchbacks are caused by a process called magnetic reconnection, where magnetic fields from the sun and Earth's magnetosphere interact.