Solar maximum news, features and articles
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'We'll be studying this event for years': Recent auroras may have been the strongest in 500 years, NASA saysVibrant auroras that were recently observed by millions of people across the globe were some of the most widespread in the last five centuries, NASA says. The light shows may have also reached the equator.
By Harry Baker Published
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Sun launches strongest solar flare of current cycle in monster X8.7-class eruptionThe strongest solar flare in half a decade just launched off the sun from the same sunspot group that triggered dazzling auroras last weekend. But don't expect northern lights this time around.
By Brandon Specktor Published
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'Extreme' geomagnetic storm that painted Earth with auroras this weekend was the most powerful in 21 yearsBetween Friday (May 10) and Sunday (May 12), people across the world were treated to stunning aurora displays as Earth's magnetic field experienced its biggest disturbance since October 2003. The supercharged storm also messed with satellites and caused power grid irregularities.
By Harry Baker Published
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Space photo of the week: A planet-size explosion rocks the sun's 'mossy' coronaCoronal moss grows, solar rain falls and plasma eruptions rear their gargantuan heads in this fiery landscape of the sun's outer atmosphere, taken by ESA's Solar Orbiter.
By Brandon Specktor Published
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Sun's chaotic peak triggers record-breaking 'global auroras' on MarsMars has had frequent planet-wide auroras in recent months, including an unprecedented trio of events in February. Experts say the sudden increase is the result of the ongoing solar maximum.
By Harry Baker Published
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4 solar flares simultaneously erupt from the sun in rare 'super' explosion — and Earth could be hit by the falloutIn the early hours of Tuesday (April 23), quadruple solar flares near-simultaneously exploded from across the sun's surface, and there's a good chance that one of these outbursts launched a solar storm toward Earth.
By Harry Baker Published
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No, you didn't see a solar flare during the total eclipse — but you may have seen something just as specialSeveral media outlets have incorrectly claimed that explosive solar flares were spotted during the April 8 total solar eclipse. But there were no flares during totality, so what did people see?
By Harry Baker Published
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The sun is surprisingly quiet right now. What does this mean for the April 8 total solar eclipse?Despite nearing its most active period, the sun is unusually inactive right now and may not wake up again before the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8). How will this impact our view of the spectacle?
By Harry Baker Published
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Powerful X-class solar flare slams Earth, triggering radio blackout over the Pacific OceanOn March 28, Earth was hit by an X-class solar flare that was strong enough to ionize part of the planet's atmosphere.
By Jennifer Nalewicki Published
