The Sun
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![An X1.8-class solar flare spotted by NASA's NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Feb. 21](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y72XeHEeKduDuhWhKt8n6F-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A solar eclipse over the Pacific Ocean at sunset, with the "diamond ring" feature visible.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RAHUPwECY7LLMAN726VTuj-320-80.jpg)
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 large plume of plasma stick out from the sun's south pole](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zkdmQQZrjni7CutTRzt6u9-320-80.jpg)
'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's total solar eclipse is inextricably linked to one in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada on March 7, 1970, seen here..](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dFK5XB66sQ4Vze4SSyVmMQ-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Massive X3.4-class solar flare.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5e392MvC4pwzyQSYPbSr6S-320-80.jpg)
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.
![gif animation showing the giant sunspot coming into view. The sunspot group is more than 15 times the diameter of Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5HHQtYkZ4r957tLY2DZFtE-320-80.gif)
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.
![The path of the moon's shadow during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kAJM3nTqKyFgSAwpN527sf-320-80.jpg)
April 8 solar eclipse: What is the path of totality, and where's the best spot to watch?
By Jamie Carter published
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 U.S. states that sit along the path of totality. But how does the path of totality work, and where's the best viewing spot? Here's everything you need to know.
![Light pollution and stargazing locations within and close to the path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9E7vvH7bALg68tWeBwRekB-320-80.jpg)
April 8 total solar eclipse: The best places to stargaze near the path of totality
By Jamie Carter published
The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible from many large cities, but anyone looking for skies free of light pollution should check out one of these dark-sky parks and reserves in the path of totality.
![Inside the observatory, an astronomer makes observations with a large refractor telescope at the 3RF astronomy campus in Texas.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hoe73dqXSH9LZgBUuZDCML-320-80.jpg)
April 8 solar eclipse: 4 telescopes and observatories where you can watch totality
By Jamie Carter published
The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible from several astronomical observatories across North America. Here are four that have big events planned for the day the sun disappears.
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