Scientists discover Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability on the surface of the Sun

Scientists using the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope have discovered Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability—tiny swirling patterns on the Sun's surface—providing the first experimental confirmation of a phenomenon previously only predicted by theory. The finding suggests KHI may explain why the Sun's outer atmosphere is so hot and how magnetic energy builds up, potentially helping researchers understand solar flares and eruptions that can impact Earth's technology and infrastructure. The discovery, published in Nature, was made by an international team from the National Solar Observatory, NSF NCAR High Altitude Observatory, and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research.