Solar activity as a research area focuses on the study of time-varying phenomena originating from the Sun’s magnetic field, including sunspots, flares, coronal mass ejections, solar wind variability, and associated irradiance changes. It integrates solar physics, plasma astrophysics, and space weather science to understand magnetic field generation via the solar dynamo, energy storage and release in the corona, and particle acceleration processes. This field employs multi-wavelength observations, in situ spacecraft measurements, and magnetohydrodynamic modeling to quantify solar variability and its coupling to the heliosphere, planetary magnetospheres, and upper atmospheres, with implications for technological systems and long-term space climate.
This Thanksgiving, solar storms may produce faint auroras across the northern rim of the United States.
Space Exploration
Nov 27, 2024
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Scientists have constructed the first complete proton energy spectrum observed during an eruptive solar event in Martian space, deepening our understanding of the radiation environment around Mars.
Astronomy
Nov 22, 2024
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NASA supercomputers are shedding light on what causes some of the sun's most complex behaviors. Using data from the suite of active sun-watching spacecraft currently observing the star at the heart of our solar system, researchers ...
Astronomy
Nov 21, 2024
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Since ancient times, the sun has been known as a giver of light and heat, a source of life. Plants are coaxed from the Earth by its rays, bringing spring, followed by bountiful harvests.
Planetary Sciences
Nov 14, 2024
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Last week, three tiny Australian satellites from Curtin University's Binar Space Program burned up in Earth's atmosphere. That was always going to happen. In fact, Binar means "fireball" in the Noongar language of the First ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 12, 2024
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In a teleconference with reporters on Tuesday, representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the sun has reached its ...
Astronomy
Oct 15, 2024
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This week across much of the world, including the UK, the majestic aurora borealis (Northern Lights) was once again visible to us.
Astronomy
Oct 15, 2024
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A severe solar storm is headed to Earth that could stress power grids even more as the U.S. deals with major back-to-back hurricanes, space weather forecasters said Wednesday.
Planetary Sciences
Oct 9, 2024
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Yesterday the sun released a huge solar flare, and it's heading toward Earth. It's nothing to worry about since it's nowhere near as large as the Carrington Event of 1859, but it is large enough to give us some amazing aurora.
Astronomy
Oct 4, 2024
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61
The aurora borealis is continuing to dazzle viewers across the northern United States and Canada.
Planetary Sciences
Sep 25, 2024
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