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Solar maximum may already be upon us, expert warns — but we won't know for sure until the sun's explosive peak is over
By Harry Baker published
A solar physicist who accurately predicted that the sun's explosive peak would arrive sooner — and be more powerful — than originally forecast tells Live Science that it may have already begun. However, we won't know for sure until long after it has finished.
Exploding, green 'devil comet' could photobomb April 8 total solar eclipse — and it might be visible with the naked eye
By Harry Baker published
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the "devil comet," will be positioned close to the sun during the April 8 total solar eclipse. Some photographers also predict that the volcanic comet may be visible to the naked eye, especially if it blows its top before the big event.
Gargantuan sunspot that spit out the strongest solar flare in 6 years is now pointing 'almost directly' at Earth
By Harry Baker published
Sunspot AR3590, which recently spit out three X-class solar flares in under 24 hours, has grown even larger and is now pointed almost directly at Earth, putting us in the crosshairs of more potential eruptions.
3rd X-class solar flare in 24 hours is the most powerful for 6 years — and it may not be the last
By Harry Baker published
A hyperactive sunspot recently unleashed its third X-class flare in under 24 hours. The X6 flare is the most powerful since 2017 and could be followed by equally massive explosions.
Are solar flares responsible for the AT&T service outage? Not likely, experts say.
By Ben Turner published
Two X-class solar flares arrived at Earth last night and early this morning. The radiation bursts coincided with massive cellphone service outages across the U.S., but experts urge that the events may not be related.
What is a solar eclipse?
By Jeanna Bryner last updated
Solar eclipses are some of nature's most dramatic celestial performances. Here's a look at the science behind the eclipse, and how to watch the next one on April 8, 2024.
'A wonderful spectacle': Photographer snaps rare solar eruption as 'magnetic noose' strangles the sun's south pole
By Harry Baker published
A recent solar flare unleashed a massive plasma plume from the sun's south pole, where these stellar eruptions rarely happen. The unusual phenomenon is a sign of the impending solar maximum.
April 8 total solar eclipse: Why this eclipse repeats itself every 54 years
By Jamie Carter published
The total solar eclipse on April 8 is part of a repeating pattern of eclipses that last visited North America in 1970. Here’s why the same eclipse repeats every 54 years.
Watch the 1st X-class solar flare of 2024 erupt from the sun in explosive fashion
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
An X-class flare, the most powerful type of solar flare, erupted from the sun on Feb. 9, 2024. Lucky for us, Earth wasn't in the direct firing line.
Colossal 'Martian sunspot' is so big it was seen from Mars. Now it's facing Earth.
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
A group of sunspots measuring more than 15 times the diameter of Earth was imaged by NASA's Perseverance Rover last week; now, the spots are pointed toward Earth, with strong flares possible.
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