Sun's magnetic field may form close to the surface. This finding could improve solar storm forecasts

New research indicates the sun's magnetic field originates much closer to the surface than previously thought. The new finding could help predict periods of extreme solar storms like the ones that slammed Earth earlier this month. An international team reported Wednesday the magnetic field appears to generate 20,000 miles beneath the sun's surface. They came up with the figure by crunching data with a NASA supercomputer, The sun's intense magnetic energy is the source of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. When directed toward Earth, they can create auroras but also disrupt power.