The Sun · Physics · Spaceflight
Heliophysics
Say it: hee-lee-oh-FIZ-iks IPA: /ˌhilioʊˈfɪzɪks/ noun
Heliophysics: The science of the Sun and of how its light, particles and magnetic fields shape the space around Earth and the other planets.
It treats the Sun, the solar wind, the planets' magnetic fields and their upper atmospheres as one connected system, so a storm on the Sun can be followed all the way to an aurora on Earth.
- Example
- Heliophysics spacecraft watch the Sun and the space near Earth at the same time.
- Why astronomers use it
- Space weather, which can interfere with communications, satellites and power grids, is heliophysics put to practical use.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- In 2021, NASA's Parker Solar Probe became the first spacecraft to fly through the Sun's corona.
Observatory The Sun Physics Spaceflight
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.