These are the highest-resolution images of the Sun's surface, or photosphere, that have ever been captured

Scientists have captured the most detailed images and video ever recorded of the Sun's surface, revealing intricate swirling magnetic structures that had previously been impossible to observe.

According to BBC News, the breakthrough was achieved using the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope – the world's most powerful solar telescope – with the findings published in the journal Nature.

The observations reveal twisting "whirlpools" formed as the Sun's magnetic field interacts with streams of superheated gas. 

Researchers say these vortices play a crucial role in generating solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt satellites, power grids and communication systems on Earth, while also posing risks to astronauts in space.

Dr David Boboltz of the US National Solar Observatory (NSO) said a better understanding of the Sun's behaviour would help improve space weather forecasting.

"The Sun is the source of all that energy and all of that space weather," he said, adding that studying the smallest features on the Sun is essential to understanding its underlying physics.

The researchers observed a phenomenon known as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, which occurs when layers of fluid move past one another, creating spiralling vortices. While the effect is also seen in Earth's oceans and atmosphere, scientists say observing it on the Sun provides new insights into how energy is transported through its atmosphere.

NSO astronomers said the findings could also help explain why the Sun's outer atmosphere is significantly hotter than its surface. As magnetic energy accumulates and is released through powerful solar eruptions, scientists hope the observations will improve both space weather predictions and understanding of the Sun's underlying physical processes.