The ESA-NASA Solar Orbiter has traced high-energy electrons nearly at light speed back to the sun, revealing two distinct sources: small solar flares producing impulsive bursts, and larger coronal mass ejections (CMEs) creating gradual, extended releases.

By observing hundreds of events at varying distances, the spacecraft allowed scientists to study these Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs) in their early, “pristine” state and understand how solar wind and magnetic turbulence affect their journey through space.

The findings improve understanding of space weather, helping protect astronauts and satellites, and pave the way for future missions like ESA’s Smile (2026) and Vigil (2031) to enhance solar monitoring and prediction, Space.com has reported.