The Magnetic Sun: Magnetic Fields on the Sun
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Magnetic Fields on the Sun

Many of the interesting features observed on the Sun by Yohkoh are magnetic. Indeed, much of the structure of the Sun's corona is shaped by the magnetic field, just like the pattern of the iron filings. Although it varies over time and from place to place on the Sun, the Sun's magnetic field can be very strong. Inside sunspots, the magnetic field can be several thousand times the strength of the Earth's magnetic field.

The Sun's corona is threaded with a complex network of magnetic fields. Understanding these magnetic fields is important because we believe that solar storms and flares, which cause notable effects on the earth, result from changes in the structure and connections of these fields.

So, is there a magnet underneath the solar surface?

Not really, but the magnetic field lines are often similar and we can use the familiar magnet as a simple analogy to help us understand the Sun's magnetic field:

The Magnetic Sun: Magnetic Fields on the Sun
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