Behold the frightening visage of the sun, recorded by a newly developed instrument.

      A narrow-band image of the Sun captured at a wavelength of λ=588.9nm.

      The sun sustains light and life on Earth, yet it can also be intimidating. The initial image from the newly launched Visible Tunable Filter (VTF) instrument at the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope showcases the sun’s surface in detail, emphasizing a section of sunspots that resembles a scene from a horror film.

      This image represents the “first light” of the new instrument, indicating it is the first comprehensive image taken since the VTF's installation. It operates as an imaging spectro-polarimeter, producing two-dimensional images of the sun at specific wavelengths. Unlike most cameras and human vision that can perceive a range of wavelengths, this instrument focuses on one wavelength at a time, varying through different wavelengths by minute increments of a billionth of a meter. Essentially, it captures a sequence of photographs, each filtered for a distinct color.

      The VTF can generate hundreds of images in just a few seconds. These readings at different wavelengths can be merged into one dataset to create a 3D representation of the object — in this instance, the sun's surface. This image is part of the testing phase for the instrument, which is anticipated to be fully operational next year.

      “Experiencing those initial spectral scans was surreal. This is something no other instrument in the telescope can accomplish in the same manner,” remarked Stacey Sueoka from the National Solar Observatory, which manages the telescope. “It signifies the culmination of months of optical alignment, testing, and international collaboration. Even with only one etalon installed, we’re already witnessing the instrument’s potential. This is merely the start, and I’m eager to see what unfolds as we finish the system, incorporate the second etalon, and progress towards scientific verification and commissioning.”

      An annotated version of the image includes a representation of the US for scale, illustrating the vast size of these sunspots.

      This narrow-band image of the Sun at a wavelength of λ=588.9nm is credited to VTF/KIS/NSF/NSO/AURA.

      These sunspots are linked to the sun’s activity and can frequently trigger solar flares or coronal mass ejections, which are intense expulsions of plasma that may impact us on Earth. The plasma travels from the sun towards our planet, where it interacts with the atmosphere in a phenomenon known as space weather. This can result in stunning auroras but can also disrupt communications and cause other issues.

      Instruments like those on the Inouye telescope can aid researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of the sun’s activity and its influence on space weather, enabling better predictions for the future.

      Georgina has spent six years as the space writer for Digital Trends, covering topics related to human space exploration and planetary science.

      NASA has just released a free documentary titled Planetary Defenders, showcasing the critical efforts aimed at safeguarding Earth from large asteroids that have been detected heading our way. The 75-minute film features astronomers and scientists who are diligently working to identify and monitor potentially threatening asteroids, including one that gained media attention earlier this year.

      In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have revealed what they consider to be the strongest evidence of life beyond our solar system. Employing the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, have identified a compound found on the planet K2-18b, which is generated by microbial life. The findings indicate that K2-18b is likely a Hycean planet situated within its star's habitable zone and is enveloped in a liquid water ocean. This type of planet is believed to offer favorable conditions for the existence of life due to its abundant water supply and hydrogen atmosphere.

      Next week promises to be exciting for skywatchers with the upcoming Lyrid meteor shower, which will be visible over the weekend and peak on Monday night. If you're eager to witness this delightful cosmic event, Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society, has provided tips on how to secure the best view from your location. The Lyrids will be visible from April 17 to April 26, reaching their peak on the evening of April 21 to 22. While you may not see long, bright streaks typical of other meteor showers, you may spot brief flashes referred to as fireballs.