The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) has recently captured a detailed view of the sun’s surface, thanks to its new spectro-polarimeter visible tuner filter (VTF). This milestone achievement has allowed DKIST to provide high-resolution images of the sun, revealing a massive sunspot on its surface.
The VTF, developed over 15 years, aims to study the sun’s dynamics and behaviors with unprecedented detail. By analyzing the sun’s photosphere and chromosphere, researchers can better understand solar phenomena such as solar storms and magnetic field interactions.
The VTF at DKIST aims to determine magnetic field strength, temperature, pressure, and plasma flow velocity on the sun. This instrument, the size of a small garage, is a significant addition to the National Solar Observatory’s observational capabilities.
The installation of VTF began in early 2024 and required months of work before its first use. Its inaugural image showcases a sunspot and highlights the instrument’s ability to capture detailed solar features.
The DKIST is designed to study the sun’s role in space weather, making the VTF a crucial tool for advancing solar research. By studying the sun’s surface and magnetic fields, scientists can better predict and understand solar phenomena.
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