The Solar Song: As Metro reports, Solar physicists have captured and analyzed the Sun’s acoustic signature, revealing it produces a low, rhythmic hum punctuated by bass-like thumps that create an unexpectedly musical arrangement of harmonics and frequencies.
Scientific Process Explained: Using the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory’s (SOHO) Michelson Doppler Imager, scientists measure seismic waves produced in the Sun’s turbulent outer shell. These waves are then translated into audible frequencies, as the original solar sounds are too low for human hearing.
Musical Character Revealed: The Sun’s sound profile includes:
- A fundamental low-frequency hum
- Multiple harmonic overtones creating musical intervals
- Rhythmic patterns from solar convection cells
- Bass frequencies from plasma movement
Volume Implications Noted: If space could transmit sound, the Sun’s acoustic output would be devastating – generating thousands of watts of sound power per square meter, equivalent to 100 times the volume of a rock concert’s speakers while banging on the best drums.
Research Applications Emerge: Scientists use these acoustic signatures to study the Sun’s internal dynamics, similar to how seismologists study Earth’s interior. The harmonics and frequencies provide valuable data about solar activity and structure.
