New 3D map of the sun'…

New 3D map of the sun's magnetic interior could improve predictions of disruptive solar flares.

For the first time, scientists have used satellite data to create a 3D map of the sun's interior magnetic field, the fundamental driver of solar activity. The research, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, should enable more accurate predictions of solar cycles and space weather that affects satellites and power grids.

Additionally, the scientists tested the model's predictive ability. They stopped the data flow at a certain point, then challenged the model to forecast what would happen next. It accurately predicted key features of solar cycles up to three to four years in advance.