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The sun's magnetic field is about to flip. Here's what to expect.
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
When the sun reaches its period of peak activity, known as solar maximum, our star's magentic field will suddenly reverse. But why does it happen, and will it impact Earth?
STEVE — the bizarre purple ribbon in the sky — has a 'secret twin' that appears only before dawn, study finds
By Stephanie Pappas published
An atmospheric phenomenon known as STEVE has a secret twin that appears before the break of dawn and flows in the opposite direction, new research finds.
32 stunning photos of auroras seen from space
By Brandon Specktor published
Auroras (also called the northern and southern lights) are visible from the ground after powerful solar storms, but these natural light shows look even more majestic from above. Here are 32 spectacular photos of auroras taken from space.
Manhattanhenge 2024: Where and when to see the sun 'kiss the grid' in New York this week
By Jamie Carter published
The Instagram-worthy alignment of the setting sun and the streets of Manhattan is about to begin again. The annual spectacle is caused by New York City's gridiron layout.
Scientists discover the possible origin of the sun's magnetic field, and it's not where they thought it was
By Ben Turner published
New simulations suggest that the origins of the sun's explosive storms could lie much closer to its surface than first thought.
'We'll be studying this event for years': Recent auroras may have been the strongest in 500 years, NASA says
By Harry Baker published
Vibrant 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.
Sun launches strongest solar flare of current cycle in monster X8.7-class eruption
By Brandon Specktor published
The 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.
Why are auroras different colors?
By Timothy Schmidt published
Auroras occur when charged solar particles bash into Earth's magnetic field and funnel toward the poles. The types of atoms these particles hit determines the color of light emitted.
'Extreme' geomagnetic storm that painted Earth with auroras this weekend was the most powerful in 21 years
By Harry Baker published
Between 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.
'Severe' geomagnetic storm will bring widespread auroras this weekend after gigantic sunspot spits out 5 solar storms
By Harry Baker published
Space weather experts warn that Earth could experience one of its worst geomagnetic storms in years after a gigantic, frenzied sunspot released five back-to-back solar storms directly at our planet. The explosive event could trigger vibrant auroras across large parts of North America.
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