The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has tracked the origin of mysterious magnetic switchbacks in the solar wind, a new study reports.

Switchbacks are sudden reversals in the sun’s magnetic field carried outward by the solar wind. Researchers combined the spacecraft’s particle measurements with images of the sun’s disk and magnetic field models.

The new model connected Solar Orbiter’s in-situ observations to data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. It revealed the switchbacks’ solar source in unprecedented detail.

The finding shows how the sun heats its atmosphere and accelerates solar wind particles into space. It also suggests the sun’s atmosphere imprints its signature on solar wind particles.

That signature could let scientists read the history of solar plasma far from the sun. Better understanding of solar wind dynamics helps protect satellites and power grids from space weather.

The discovery would not have been possible without Solar Orbiter, the only spacecraft with both the proximity to the sun and the right instruments.

ESA’s project scientist said the finding helps prepare for solar storms, which threaten space-based infrastructure and technology on Earth.