From YT:
The sun's magnetic field spins opposite directions on the north and south poles. These oppositely pointing magnetic fields are separated by a layer of current called the heliospheric current sheet. Due to the tilt of the magnetic axis in relation to the axis of rotation of the Sun, the heliospheric current sheet flaps like a flag in the wind. The flapping current sheet separates regions of oppositely pointing magnetic field, called sectors. As the solar wind speed decreases past the termination shock, the sectors squeeze together, bringing regions of opposite magnetic field closer to each other. The Voyager spacecraft have now found that when the separation of sectors becomes very small, the sectored magnetic field breaks up into a sea of nested "magnetic bubbles" in a phenomenon called magnetic reconnection. The region of nested bubbles is carried by the solar wind to the north and south filling out the entire front region of the heliopause and the sector region in the heliosheath.
This discovery has prompted a complete revision of what the heliosheath region looks like. The smooth, streamlined look is gone, replaced with a bubbly, frothy outer layer.
15 Comments
Ryjkyjsays...That's crazy. I didn't even know voyager was still transmitting.
bamdrewsays...magnetic bubbles. unmanned space-craft say the darndest things.
ponceleonsays...VGER MUST JOIN WITH THE CREATOR!
critical_dsays...You can learn more about the Voyager program and spacecraft here: http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html
gwiz665says...That's how the galactic federation keeps us isolated.. for now.
PalmliXsays...I love how these spacecraft's are still doing science work and prompting new discoveries. Truly a spectacular feat of engineering!
Paybacksays...>> ^PalmliX:
I love how these spacecraft's are still doing science work and prompting new discoveries. Truly a spectacular feat of engineering!
Either that or it's electronics have been so degraded by ionizing radiation and it's sensors pocked by micro-meteorites that it's just shittin' with us.
honkeytonk73says...The ability to send a robotic spaceship to collect scientific data billions of miles from Earth is insignificant, next to the magical powers of Jesus. Water to wine... see if Nasa can do that!
Paybacksays...>> ^honkeytonk73:
The ability to send a robotic spaceship to collect scientific data billions of miles from Earth is insignificant, next to the magical powers of Jesus. Water to wine... see if Nasa can do that!
Careful dude, ShinyBlurry will want to mate with you.
After a respectful engagement and devout nuptial ceremony, of course.
mizilasays...>> ^honkeytonk73:
The ability to send a robotic spaceship to collect scientific data billions of miles from Earth is insignificant, next to the magical powers of Jesus. Water to wine... see if Nasa can do that!
What do you mean, "see if Nasa can do that!" ?? First you have to show me Jesus doing that.
honkeytonk73says...>> ^mizila:
>> ^honkeytonk73:
The ability to send a robotic spaceship to collect scientific data billions of miles from Earth is insignificant, next to the magical powers of Jesus. Water to wine... see if Nasa can do that!
What do you mean, "see if Nasa can do that!" ?? First you have to show me Jesus doing that.
The ability to detect the helio-pause is insignificant, next to the power of invisible magical sky beings....... your lack of faith is disturbing .....
direpicklesays...Way to go, statist idiots.
blankfistsays...>> ^direpickle:
Way to go, statist idiots.
Hitler built roads.
deathcowsays...33 yrs old?!?? that probe is a total PILF
dystopianfuturetodaysays...Libertaryan. >> ^blankfist:
>> ^direpickle:
Way to go, statist idiots.
Hitler built roads.
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