The Sun
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![Proba-2 partial eclipse.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XPWbGDCSY49Vm3FrpJH7yh-320-80.jpg)
What's the longest solar eclipse in history? (And how does the April 2024 total eclipse compare?)
By Jamie Carter published
The exact same celestial geometry that will cause a total solar eclipse in North America on April 8 will produce the longest one ever, but not for another 162 years.
![A streak of green light in the night sky with ripples running through the middle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7HZfZF3cUf3WbWj9HgvapE-320-80.jpg)
Photographer snaps extremely rare 'aurora curls' after magnetic wave rings Earth's atmosphere 'like a bell'
By Harry Baker published
Ethereal green "aurora curls" were photographed in the night sky over Iceland after a gust of solar wind vibrated Earth's magnetic shield like a plucked guitar string. The phenomenon is extremely rare.
![Looped video footage of two solar flares exploding from different parts f the sun at the same time](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vZikQE9tdCyFGu2KUq6954-320-80.gif)
Near-simultaneous solar flares explode from opposite sides of the sun in extremely rare event
By Harry Baker published
A pair of linked solar flares recently exploded near-simultaneously from sunspots on different hemispheres of our home star, triggering radio blackouts on Earth.
![A solar eruption was observed radiating from the sun Jan. 20 and is expected to trigger auroral displays across the northern and Midwest U.S. on Monday.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rmRk5TJPT7WnpbJxL4FgKi-320-80.jpg)
Giant geomagnetic storm set to slam into Earth Monday, fueling auroras across northern US
By Kiley Price published
The sun's magnetic field could soon slam into Earth's, triggering stunning light displays.
![Map of dozens of eclipse-related place names in North America.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Epr5LLGbEaku8AwzWF44sU-320-80.jpg)
These eclipse-themed places will experience totality on April 8, 2024
By Jamie Carter published
Experience the April 8 total solar eclipse from Eclipse Island, Corona, Moon Island, or one of these other eclipse-themed locations.
![An artist's concept of NASA's Parker Solar Probe observing the sun.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tG6b5cm4RvRguvh8gM2xXd-320-80.jpg)
'Monumental achievement for all humanity': NASA's Parker Solar Probe is gearing up for a record-breaking encounter with the sun
By Robert Lea published
Later this year, NASA's Parker Solar Probe will come even closer to the sun than it has before, while traveling at record-breaking speeds.
![Dallas, Texas, will be the biggest city in the path of totality.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YQSAP6YZqfokn2ApyoP6Ka-320-80.jpg)
Total solar eclipse April 2024: The 10 biggest cities within the path of totality
By Jamie Carter published
On April 8, 2024, more than 31 million people in North America will witness a total solar eclipse, around a third of them in just 10 cities.
![Power X5 solar flare.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k9fkVPEZvNq7qJXpUfgwkG-320-80.jpg)
Monstrous X5 solar flare launched on New Year's Eve could bring auroras to Earth tonight
By Brandon Specktor published
In the final hours of Dec. 31, 2023, the sun launched its most powerful solar flare in 6 years. On Jan. 2, radiation from the blast may bring auroras to Earth's skies.
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