the sun
Latest about the sun
![A fiery yellow sun with a blotchy orange sunspot, underneath a blobby sketch of an even larger sunspot as recorded by Richard Carrington in 1859](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hJCb4qpFTWcqLqDCiKFn5N-320-80.jpg)
See the 'monster' sunspot that launched the Carrington Event, the most devastating solar storm in recorded history
By Brandon Specktor published
What did the sun look like before the devastating 1859 Carrington Event? Sketches from astronomer Richard Carrington hold the answer.
![This image shows how the sun's appearance changes between solar maximum (on the left) and solar minimum (on the right).](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ncYkMewFswabFJz4x7tsh4-320-80.jpg)
Solar maximum could hit us harder and sooner than we thought. How dangerous will the sun's chaotic peak be?
By Harry Baker published
The sun is quickly approaching a major peak in solar activity. Experts warn it could potentially begin by the end of 2023, years before initial predictions suggested.
![Green and pink auroras shine above trees](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pNfYb7H2j9XeKrkomiBnSk-320-80.jpg)
Earth's thermosphere reaches highest temperature in 20 years after being bombarded by solar storms
By Harry Baker published
The atmospheric temperature spike, which was caused by geomagnetic storms triggered by the sun, suggests the "solar maximum" is fast approaching.
![Solar eclipse image with the sun's corona glowing behind like wispy smoke](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DbpFESsEkZHBmxzBURZqZE-320-80.jpg)
Photographers capture the exact moment a gargantuan storm blasts out of the sun during a total solar eclipse
By Harry Baker published
A stunning composite image of the sun during a recent 'hybrid eclipse' in Australia is further proof that solar activity is ramping up.
![A massive dark patch on the south pole of the sun.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4uSTULDwqpqEhh8WfxHWbY-320-80.jpg)
Enormous 'hole' in the sun's atmosphere will trigger stunning auroras Friday
By Brandon Specktor published
An enormous coronal hole wider than 20 Earths has opened in the sun's atmosphere, and NOAA experts predict a moderate geomagnetic storm Friday (March 24) as a result.
![Footage of a powerful X-class flare captured on Aug. 9, 2011 as seen by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Anck7nTc4zYWt7GbWi6MZ4-320-80.gif)
Mysterious 'sparks' on the sun could help scientists predict solar flares
By JoAnna Wendel published
An analysis of eight years of data reveals a possible telltale sign that a region of the sun is about to erupt.
![NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory caught an image of a mid-level solar flare emitted by the sun on Oct. 1, 2015.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/adLnFowUSH3CmRgGBdQ6yU-320-80.jpg)
Giant blob of solar plasma could 'graze' Earth this weekend, NOAA says
By Brandon Specktor last updated
A mild coronal mass ejection could slam into our planet on Saturday, May 7, according to NOAA.
![Mercury in space surrounded by stars. Image elements furnished by NASA.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w3kqDGBSTqVnNTpd5pajWm-320-80.jpg)
Mercury: Facts about the smallest planet
By Patrick Pester published
Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, the fastest planet orbiting the sun and the smallest planet in our solar system.
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