The Sun constantly releases a stream of charged particles into space, known as the solar wind. This wind plays a key role in shaping space weather, which can affect satellites, power grids, and astronauts. However, scientists still don’t fully understand how the solar wind gains its speed and energy as it moves away from the Sun.

In this study, we use data from NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, a spacecraft that travels closer to the Sun than any mission before. During parts of its journey, the probe moves quickly in straight paths away from or towards the Sun, giving us a unique chance to watch how the solar wind changes over time and distance.

We found that, as the solar wind travels outward, it gains speed and changes the way energy is carried. Some energy that was stored in waves near the Sun appears to convert into the motion of particles farther out. This supports the idea that waves and turbulence help accelerate the solar wind.

Our findings bring us one step closer to solving a long-standing mystery in space science and help improve our understanding of the Sun’s impact on the solar system.