Solar Orbiter images reveal sun's south pole

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has captured the first-ever images of the sun's south pole, revealing a chaotic magnetic patchwork. This discovery is crucial for understanding the sun's magnetic field flips. The mission, a collaboration between ESA and NASA, observed the pole from a 15-degree angle below the solar equator. These images show a fragmented mosaic of magnetic activity, which scientists believe is key to predicting the sun's 11-year cycle. Launched in 2020, the Solar Orbiter will continue its observations, aiming to improve solar cycle forecasting. The sun is currently nearing a solar maximum, a period of increased activity before its magnetic poles flip.