THE Solar Systemās magnetic field has finally been traced. Swirling lines, recorded by the space probe Ulysses, show how the magnetic field lines emanating from the Sunās surface are dragged round as the Sun rotates. The magnetic fieldās spiral shape was first predicted in 1958. The probeās measurements are a ādirect unequivocal confirmationā of that prediction, say scientists from the aerospace company STX Hughes and NASAās Goddard Space Flight Center, in this weekās Science.
The magnetic field lines form highways along which electrons travel after being ejected from the Sun. Ulysses tracked the electromagnetic radiation given off by these electrons ā the white dots. The probe enjoyed a birdās-eye view of the Solar System as it passed high above the Sunās geographical pole.
