In the past, the solar wind didn't directly affect us, but as we become increasingly dependent on advanced technology, we become more susceptible to its effects. Researchers are learning that variations in the solar wind flow can cause dramatic changes in the shape of the Earth's magnetic field, which can damage satellites and disrupt communications and power systems. Just below the surface of the Sun there are large convection cells, and each cell has a magnetic field associated with it. The identification of the detailed structure of the source region of the fast solar wind is an important step in solving the solar wind acceleration problem. A spectrum results from the separation of light into its component colors, which correspond to different wavelengths.
Blue light has a shorter wavelength and is more energetic than red light.
A spectrum is similar to what is seen when a prism separates white light into a rainbow of distinct colors. By analyzing light this way, astronomers learn a great deal about the object emitting the light, such as its temperature, chemical composition, and motion. The hot gas in the solar wind source region emits light at certain ultraviolet wavelengths. When the hot gas flows towards Earth, as it does in the solar wind, the wavelengths of the ultraviolet light emitted become shorter, a phenomenon called Doppler shift. This is similar to the way an ambulance siren appears to change tone as it speeds by.