🔭 Solar spicules might just be plasma curtains
Thousands of swirling solar spicules might actually be perspective tricks caused by plasma curtains on the Sun's surface. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the University of Sheffield used 3D simulations to model the Sun's atmosphere. The study, published on September 5, 2026, revealed that these jets are folds in a massive, sheet-like hot gas curtain. This finding helps solve the coronal heating problem, which is why the Sun's outer layer is so hot. Understanding these structures is key to predicting space weather that affects Earth technology. ☀️