• Discovery of new waves reveals hidden magnetic activity inside the Sun
• Researchers use the waves to measure the strength and structure of subsurface magnetic fields

Astronomers have detected new, massive waves moving deep inside the Sun, driven by strong magnetic fields beneath its surface.

This discovery opens a window into parts of the Sun that were previously inaccessible to observation.

This finding provides a new tool for studying how the Sun’s magnetic field forms and evolves over time.

Researchers describe the Sun’s interior as a dynamic ocean of electrically charged hot gas, shaped by the Sun’s rotation and magnetic forces.

These magnetic fields drive the solar cycle, sunspots, and powerful eruptions that can affect satellites, communications, and power grids on Earth. Until now, the behavior of the Sun’s magnetic fields deep inside remained largely hidden from direct observation.

The new study, published in Nature Astronomy, analyzed more than a decade of the Sun’s natural vibrations.

The results revealed previously undetected, global-scale waves influenced by the Sun’s internal magnetism. By tracking the motion of these waves, the team could infer the strength and structure of magnetic fields beneath the Sun’s surface.

Shravan Hanasoge, co-investigator and lead author of the study, said: "These waves give us a unique view of the Sun’s hidden magnetic system. Understanding these internal processes is crucial for predicting solar activity, which can impact satellites, communications, and electricity networks on Earth."

The discovery represents a major step forward in studying the Sun’s interior and monitoring the evolution of its magnetic fields over time, with important implications for improving space weather forecasting and understanding magnetic activity in stars across the universe.