Astronomy
The Influence of Alpha Magnetic Fields on Solar Wind Acceleration
Quick fact
Alpha magnetic fields in coronal holes create turbulence that helps accelerate solar wind particles to speeds of up to 800 km/s—more than twice the speed of sound in that medium.
Why this is interesting
The Sun's outer atmosphere is hotter than its surface, and its wind breaks the sound barrier—how does that happen? Surprisingly, the answer lies in invisible magnetic loops that act like slingshots.