A New Perspective on the Sun

For centuries, our view of the Sun has been largely one-dimensional, observing it from the same flat plane. Earth and all planets circle the Sun in the ecliptic, leaving its poles shrouded in mystery. But that’s about to change dramatically!

Historic Orbital Shift

In a stunning leap for solar science, the Solar Orbiter has become the first spacecraft to capture images of the Sun's poles from beyond this traditional viewpoint. On March 23, 2025, the Solar Orbiter positioned itself at an unprecedented angle—17° below the Sun's equator, giving humanity its first direct look at the Sun’s south pole.

ESA’s Director of Science, Prof. Carole Mundell, proclaimed, "Today we reveal humankind’s first-ever views of the Sun’s pole. Understanding the Sun, the giver of life and disruptor of tech on Earth, is vital for predicting its behavior. This mission marks the dawn of a new era in solar science!"

Cutting-Edge Technology at Work

The remarkable images were captured on March 16-17, employing three advanced instruments: the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI), the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), and the Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE). Together, they provide a multi-faceted view of solar activity.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Sun