Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique utilizing helioseismology to measure solar radiative opacity under extreme conditions. This work, published in Nature Communications, addresses gaps in atomic physics understanding and corroborates recent experimental results, expanding the horizons of astrophysics and nuclear physics.
Helioseismology focuses on the sun's acoustic oscillations, allowing scientists to investigate the star's interior with remarkable accuracy. By analyzing these oscillations, researchers can reconstruct essential parameters such as density, temperature, and chemical composition of the sun's plasma, which are vital for comprehending stellar behavior and evolution.
Led by Gaël Buldgen from the University of Liège, a new international study applied helioseismic methods for an independent measurement of high-energy radiation absorption by solar plasma in its deeper layers. This collaboration sheds light on solar radiative opacity, a key factor for understanding matter-radiation interactions in the sun's extreme environment.
The findings align with laboratory observations from institutions like Sandia National Laboratories while revealing ongoing discrepancies in atomic physics comprehension and differing predictions from various research groups.
Employing advanced numerical tools, the team achieved unprecedented precision in stellar modeling. Buldgen remarked, "By detecting the sun's acoustic waves with unmatched accuracy, we can deduce our star's internal properties akin to analyzing a musical instrument's sounds." The precision of these measurements surpasses that of high-precision kitchen scales, enabling estimations of solar matter density without direct observation.
Helioseismology has significantly contributed to fundamental physics, including the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which were recognized with the 2015 Nobel Prize. However, it also highlighted the need for adjustments in solar chemical composition, prompting a re-evaluation of solar models.
The research emphasizes the importance of refining atomic models to reconcile discrepancies between experimental observations and theoretical calculations. These advancements are expected to redefine our understanding of stellar evolution and the physical processes governing star structures.
As the scientific community prepares for the launch of the PLATO satellite in 2026, which aims to accurately characterize solar-type stars, these findings underscore the sun's role as a crucial benchmark for stellar evolution studies.
Furthermore, the implications extend to nuclear fusion research, with the sun being the only stable nuclear fusion reactor in our solar system. Improving insights into the sun's internal conditions directly influences fusion energy research, vital for developing clean energy solutions.
This research reaffirms the University of Liège's position at the forefront of astrophysical science, showcasing helioseismology's pivotal role in unraveling cosmic mysteries.