NYU Abu Dhabi researchers find mysterious new set of waves in Sun
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Centre for Space Science have discovered a new set of waves in the Sun that, unexpectedly, appear to travel much faster than predicted by theory.
In the study, ‘Discovery of high-frequency-retrograde vorticity waves in the Sun’, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers, led by Research Associate Chris S. Hanson, detailed how they analysed 25 years of space and ground-based data to detect these waves. The high-frequency retrograde (HFR) waves, which move in the opposite direction of the Sun’s rotation, appear as a pattern of vortices (swirling motions) on the surface of the Sun and move at three times the speed established by current theory.
The interior of the Sun and stars cannot be imaged by conventional astronomy (e.g. optical, x-ray etc.), and scientists rely on interpreting the surface signatures of a variety of waves to image the interiors. These new HFR waves may yet be an important puzzle piece in our understanding of stars.
Complex interactions between other well known waves and magnetism, gravity or convection could drive the HFR waves at this speed. “If the HFR waves could be attributed to any of these three processes, then the finding would have answered some open questions we still have about the Sun,” said Hanson. “However, these new waves don’t appear to be a result of these processes, and that’s exciting because it leads to a whole new set of questions.”
This research was conducted within NYUAD’s Centre for Space Science in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and New York University, using NYUAD and TIFR’s computational resources. By studying the Sun’s interior dynamics – through the use of waves – scientists can better appreciate the Sun’s potential impact on the Earth and other planets in our solar system.
“The very existence of HFR modes and their origin is a true mystery and may allude to exciting physics at play,” said Shravan Hanasoge, a co-author of the paper. “It has the potential to shed insight on the otherwise unobservable interior of the Sun.”
Announcements
Inside The Plaza at Uptown Dubai: An open-air venue set to transform the city’s business and events scene
In a city that thrives on bold ambition and global connection, a new landmark has quietly taken its place at the heart of Dubai’s business future.
DMCC has officially opened The Plaza at Uptown Dubai, a 21,000 square metre open-air destination designed to host everything from high-level corporate summits to large-scale concerts and community gatherings.
For UAE residents and business leaders alike, this isn’t just another development announcement. It’s a signal that Uptown Dubai is stepping into a new era.
A new gathering space in town
Strategically positioned at the centre of Uptown Dubai, The Plaza physically connects the iconic Uptown Tower with the district’s wider commercial and residential community.
Designed to accommodate up to 4,000 guests, the venue features advanced staging, lighting and digital display infrastructure, enabling year-round programming and rapid event turnover.
For Dubai’s fast-moving corporate ecosystem, that means seamless hosting of:
- Global trade conferences
- Finance and technology forums
- Industry expos
- Cultural performances
- Community celebrations
In a city known for world-class event venues, The Plaza adds something different: scale, accessibility and integration within a thriving business district.
For UAE residents, the venue offers more opportunities for networking, collaboration and global visibility without leaving the city.
Next business hub taking shape
The Plaza’s launch comes as Uptown Dubai moves into its next development phase.
Currently under construction:
- Two commercial towers (23 and 17 storeys)
- 62,000 square metres of additional Grade A commercial and retail space
Once complete, the full district will deliver:
- 538,000 square metres total gross floor area
- 232,000 square metres dedicated to Grade A commercial office space
What’s in it for residents
For professionals, it means:
- More international events are hosted locally
- Increased networking and industry exposure
- Expanded commercial opportunities
For residents, it offers:
- Open-air concerts and cultural events
- Community experiences within a premium urban setting
- A new social hub integrated into Dubai’s skyline
Sharjah road closure this weekend: Emirates Road diversion announced
Inside The Plaza at Uptown Dubai: An open-air venue set to transform the city’s business and events scene
