Double trouble at the Sun ☀️ Our Solar Orbiter spacecraft has revealed that the flood of superfast electrons rushing through space actually comes in two distinct types: - Some burst out in sudden flares – sudden explosions of energy from small patches of the Sun’s surface. - Others ride on vast coronal mass ejections – giant clouds of hot gas hurled into space. By looking closer at the Sun than any other mission of its kind, Solar Orbiter measured these particles in their earliest state and traced them right back to their origin. Why it matters: electrons tied to coronal mass ejections are far more powerful and hazardous for astronauts and satellites. Being able to tell the two kinds apart is key to forecasting space weather and keeping our missions safe. Looking ahead: Our Vigil mission (2031) will watch the Sun from the side, giving us advance warning of dangerous eruptions. And Smile mission (launching next year) will explore how Earth’s magnetic shield stands up to this constan...