This Is the Most Detailed Picture of the Sun’s Surface Yet

Bubbling convection cells, each about the size of Texas, rise and fall across the sun's surface.

By Erika K. Carlson
Jan 31, 2020 3:20 PMJan 31, 2020 3:29 PM
Inouye-First-Light-Full-Image-high-res
The new Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope's "first light" image is the most detailed look at the sun yet, letting scientists see details as small as 18 miles in size. (Credit: NSO/AURA/NSF)

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A new solar telescope in Hawaii has taken its first photo and movie of the sun. The shots are the highest resolution views of our star yet, showing details on the sun’s surface as small as about 18 miles in size. 

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