IIT Kanpur Map the Sun’s Hidden Interior Using 30 Years of Satellite Data | 03 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have created the first three-dimensional map of the Sun’s hidden interior magnetic field by assimilating 30 years of satellite observations into an advanced computational model, enhancing understanding of solar dynamics. 

Key Points 

• Achievement: The IIT Kanpur research team has developed a 3D dynamo model that assimilates three decades of solar magnetic field observations to map the Sun’s internal magnetic structure. 
  • The study was led by Soumyadeep Chatterjee from the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur. 
• Data Source: The model uses long-term data collected by satellites such as NASA’s SOHO and SDO, which have detailed the Sun’s surface magnetic fields over decades. 
  • Solar Dynamo Mapping: The research focuses on the solar dynamo, the deep-interior process responsible for generating the Sun’s magnetic field, which drives sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. 
  • 3D Model Insights: By fusing observational data with advanced computation, the model reveals how large-scale magnetic patterns evolve over time and enables estimation of the magnitude, structure and evolution of internal magnetic fields. 
• Space Weather Relevance: Mapping the Sun’s hidden magnetic field improves the ability to predict solar cycles and space-weather events, which can disrupt satellites, power grids, GPS and communication systems on Earth.  
  • The model helps to estimate the peak strength of upcoming solar cycles, which is critical for safeguarding technological infrastructure. 
• Big Data: The study exemplifies how big observational datasets combined with computational modelling can unlock previously inaccessible scientific insights.