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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/astro-coronal-holes

Where on the Sun does most of the solar wind come from?

Coronal holes, where magnetic fields let gas stream straight out.

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  1. Sunspots
  2. The core
  3. Coronal holes ✔

Why: In coronal holes the magnetic field lines open out into space instead of looping back. Gas can then escape unhindered, so most of the solar wind pours out from these regions.

Huh, didn't know that: Coronal holes are large dark regions of the corona that are relatively cool and quiet.

The dad joke
Coronal holes are where the Sun lets off steam.
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References

Answer: Coronal holes. In coronal holes the magnetic field lines open out into space instead of looping back. Gas can then escape unhindered, so most of the solar wind pours out from these regions.

  1. Astronomy 2e, 15.1 The Structure and Composition of the Sun openstax.org/books/astronomy-2e/pages/15-1-the-structure-and-composition-of-the-sun
    The solar wind comes predominantly from coronal holes, where gas can stream away from the Sun into space unhindered by magnetic fields.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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