Sunrise 3

Captures high-resolution data in the near-ultraviolet range.

Maps the full field-of-view of the solar surface in visible light. History and 2024 Success

The primary goal of Sunrise 3 is to study the Sun’s lower atmosphere—the photosphere and chromosphere—to understand how magnetic fields interact with plasma flows. This is critical because these processes drive solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt power grids and communication systems on Earth. sunrise 3

Investigates magnetic fields in the chromosphere using near-infrared light.

The observatory is equipped with three state-of-the-art instruments: Captures high-resolution data in the near-ultraviolet range

Unlike ground observatories, Sunrise 3 can observe the Sun continuously for several days without the interference of day-night cycles. This allows for the capture of ultra-long time series of solar data.

The Sunrise project has a long history of pushing the boundaries of solar science: This is critical because these processes drive solar

A giant helium balloon carries a 6-meter-high observatory, featuring a 1-meter aperture telescope—the largest solar telescope to ever leave the ground.

(or SUNRISE III) is a pioneering balloon-borne solar observatory designed to provide an unprecedented look at the Sun’s magnetic activity from the Earth’s stratosphere. By floating at altitudes of approximately 35 kilometers—above 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere—the mission bypasses the "shimmering" effect caused by air turbulence and gains access to ultraviolet (UV) light that is otherwise absorbed by the atmosphere. The Mission Concept: A Telescope in the Stratosphere