NYU Abu Dhabi Researchers Uncover New Large-Scale Waves Deep Inside the Sun

The Groundbreaking Discovery at NYU Abu Dhabi

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), a cornerstone of higher education in the United Arab Emirates, has once again positioned itself at the forefront of global scientific research. Researchers from NYUAD's Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS) have uncovered previously undetected large-scale waves propagating deep within the Sun. These magnetically modified Rossby waves, shaped by the star's internal magnetic fields, mark a significant advancement in helioseismology—the study of the Sun's interior through its acoustic oscillations. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of solar dynamics but also holds promise for enhanced space weather predictions, vital for the UAE's burgeoning space sector.

The findings, detailed in a paper published in the prestigious journal Nature Astronomy on February 24, 2026, stem from over a decade of meticulous analysis of data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Led by Shravan Hanasoge, an Assistant Research Professor at NYUAD and expert in solar seismology, and co-authored by Research Scientist Christopher Hanson, the study reveals waves confined to the upper layers of the Sun's convection zone (at radii r/R_⊙ ≲ 0.98). These waves resonate at frequencies indicating a strong toroidal magnetic field, estimated at around 5,000 Gauss if located near the base of the convection zone—a strength consistent with models of the solar dynamo.

Helioseismology functions much like seismology on Earth, where earthquakes reveal subsurface structures. By tracking the Sun's natural vibrations—millions of sound waves pinging through its plasma—the team measured radial vorticity patterns. Normal mode-coupling analysis of equatorially symmetric sectoral modes uncovered a dominant slow magneto-Rossby mode and a weaker retrograde fast mode, both modulated by magnetism in ways previously unobserved.

Decoding the Sun's Hidden Magnetic Architecture

Rossby waves, named after meteorologist Carl-Gustaf Arvid Rossby, are planetary-scale undulations familiar from Earth's weather patterns, where they steer jet streams and storms. On the Sun, hydrodynamic Rossby waves (r-modes) were detected earlier, but these new magnetically modified variants are a revelation. Unlike purely fluid-driven waves, they interact with the Sun's dynamo-generated magnetic fields, which twist and amplify through convection in the outer 30% of the solar radius.

The convection zone, a turbulent layer where hot plasma rises and cools before sinking, hosts the solar dynamo responsible for the 11-year sunspot cycle. The discovered waves, weaker in amplitude than hydrodynamic counterparts, provide the first direct evidence of global-scale magnetic influences at these depths. By inferring field strengths from wave speeds and dispersions, researchers can now map the toroidal (east-west) component of the field, elusive until now due to the Sun's opacity to light beyond its photosphere.

This breakthrough builds on NYUAD's legacy in solar physics. Previous CASS projects imaged solar supergranules, measured meridional flows explaining the solar cycle, and developed AI for solar wind forecasting—improving predictions by 45% over traditional models. Such work underscores NYUAD's role in UAE higher education, fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges theory, computation, and observation.

The Research Methodology: A Decade of Data Mastery

The journey began with time-distance helioseismology, processing spherical-harmonic time series from SDO's Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) spanning April 10, 2010, to November 24, 2024. Ground-based GONG++ data supplemented this for validation. Power spectra of radial vorticity revealed sectoral modes (s=t), filtered for equatorial symmetry to isolate global signals.

Advanced computational techniques, including machine learning for pattern recognition in vast datasets, allowed detection of subtle signals drowned in noise. Hanasoge, with dual affiliations at NYUAD and India's Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, brought expertise in inverting oscillations for 3D flows. Hanson, a helioseismology specialist with a PhD from Monash University and prior work at Max Planck Institute, managed data pipelines and simulations.

The result: clear signatures of magnetized inertial waves, theorized to modulate the dynamo. As Hanasoge notes, "These waves give us a unique look at the Sun’s hidden magnetic system." For full technical details, see the study in Nature Astronomy.

Implications for Solar Dynamo and Stellar Physics

The solar dynamo converts kinetic energy from convection into magnetic fields via differential rotation and helical motions—a process mirrored in other stars. These waves offer a probe into dynamo modulation, explaining cycle irregularities and high-energy events like flares. Amplitudes suggest fields ~5√(ρ/ρ_S) Gauss, aligning with tachocline models where ρ ≈ 0.44 g/cm³ yields ~5 kG.

Beyond the Sun, implications extend to stellar magnetism across the galaxy. NYUAD's CASS, one of UAE's premier astrophysics hubs, integrates solar studies with planetary science, collaborating with UAE Space Agency on Mars mission data. This positions UAE universities as global leaders, attracting top talent amid national visions like UAE Centennial 2071 for knowledge economy dominance.

Space Weather Forecasting: Safeguarding UAE's Satellites

Solar storms—coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares—disrupt satellites, GPS, aviation, and grids. A Carrington-level event could cost trillions globally; UAE's 10+ satellites (e.g., Thuraya, Yahsat) face risks from geomagnetically induced currents. NYUAD's waves enable imaging twisted fields prone to snapping, akin to forecasting storms from cloud patterns.

Complementing prior AI solar wind models, this advances UAE's resilience. As detailed in The National, predictions aid satellite operators and power firms. UAE Space Agency partnerships amplify impact, protecting $20B+ space economy.

NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Astrophysics: UAE's Stellar Hub

Established as part of NYUAD's Research Institute, CASS pioneers in Sun/stellar physics, planetary/galactic astrophysics, and astroparticle physics. PIs like Katepalli Sreenivasan (fluid dynamics) and Hanasoge drive solar convection, inertial waves, space weather research. Facilities include high-performance computing for simulations, data from NASA/ESA missions.

NYUAD ranks UAE's top university (Times Higher Education), with 90+ labs yielding 9,200+ publications. Collaborations with UAE Space Agency (Emirates Mars Mission) and Muhammad bin Zayed Space Center bolster national R&D, training Emirati researchers via PhD in Astrophysics launched 2025.

Elevating UAE Higher Education Through Cutting-Edge Research

This discovery exemplifies UAE's higher ed transformation. NYUAD, Khalifa University, UAEU invest in STEM, aligning with UAE Vision 2031 for R&D leadership. Solar research attracts international faculty/students, fostering knowledge transfer. Programs like CASS PhDs equip youth for space jobs, with UAE producing 40% Gulf PhDs in physics.

Impacts ripple: enhanced curricula in astrophysics, internships at space centers, boosting employability. As UAE launches more satellites (MBZ-SAT 2026), local expertise in space weather is critical. For more on opportunities, explore NYUAD's announcement.

Stakeholder Perspectives: From Researchers to Policymakers

Hanasoge emphasizes predictive power: internal magnetism drives visible activity. Hanson highlights helioseismology's evolution. UAE officials praise NYUAD's UAE-US bridge, per embassy statements. Industry views: satellite firms hail forecasting gains.

Challenges remain: deeper fields need advanced missions like Solar Orbiter. Solutions: UAE-funded helioseismology networks.

Photo by 86 media on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Waves of Innovation in UAE Academia

NYUAD plans wave modeling with AI, dynamo simulations. UAE aims space agency heliophysics center. For aspiring researchers, postdocs/faculty roles abound. This discovery cements NYUAD's legacy, inspiring UAE's next generation in higher ed and space science.