"New Discovery Pinpoints Origin of Sun's Magnetic Field, Enhancing Solar Storm Forecasts"

New research reveals that the sun's magnetic field originates much closer to its surface than previously thought, potentially improving forecasts for extreme solar storms. This discovery, made by an international team and published in Nature, could help predict solar flares and coronal mass ejections that impact Earth. The findings suggest the magnetic field is generated 20,000 miles beneath the sun's surface, rather than 130,000 miles as earlier believed. This advancement is crucial for preparing for future solar storms, especially as the sun approaches its peak activity in the current 11-year cycle.