The Sun
Latest about The Sun
We are fast approaching the sun's 'battle zone' — and it could be even worse than solar maximum, experts warn
By Harry Baker published
Space weather experts warn that solar activity will persist or even increase after solar maximum has ended and we enter a phase of the solar cycle dubbed the "battle zone."
Extremely rare, black 'anti-auroras' paint luminous 'letter E' above Alaska
By Harry Baker published
A "bizarre" E-shaped aurora was recently photographed dancing in the sky above Alaska. The unusual light show was caused by rare black auroras, a.k.a. anti-auroras, which catapult charged particles from the sun back out of Earth's atmosphere and into space.
Thanksgiving auroras? Solar storm likely to hit Earth on Thursday and Friday, NOAA warns
By Brandon Specktor last updated
An outburst of solar energy looks primed to hit Earth on Thursday, potentially bringing auroras to the northern U.S. on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Solar maximum just knocked 3 satellites out of orbit. Here's why more may be on the way.
By Kyle McMullan published
The Sun's activity is what gives us beautiful auroras — but it also has dramatic negative effects on satellites that go around Earth in a low orbit.
Aurora activity is just getting started. Here's why the best northern lights are yet to come.
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
Discover why the best aurora displays occur after solar maximum, and why 2026-2027 could be the year of the northern lights.
Watch sun erupt in 1st images from NOAA's groundbreaking new satellite
By Samantha Mathewson published
NOAA shared new images taken by the world's first operational space-based coronagraph, CCOR-1, captured during a solar storm outburst.
Scientists finally confirm that solar maximum is well underway — and the worst could still be to come
By Harry Baker published
A surprise announcement from scientists involved in monitoring the solar cycle has finally confirmed that the sun's most active and dangerous phase — solar maximum — is already well underway, and could continue for at least a year.
'Severe' solar storm that hit Earth Thursday could be 'global phenomenon' with auroras as far south as California
By Brandon Specktor last updated
A powerful solar outburst hit Earth Thursday, triggering a "severe" geomagnetic storm. Auroras could be visible as far south as California and Alabama, NOAA predicts.
Space photo of the week: Easter Island's last 'ring of fire' eclipse for 320 years
By Jamie Carter published
Oct. 2's annular solar eclipse saw a small-looking new moon cross the face of the sun to create a perfect circle for about six minutes.
X9 solar flare launched from sun is the biggest in 7 years — and Earth is in the firing line (again)
By Harry Baker published
The sun has unleashed the most powerful solar flare since 2017, just days after it spat out another monster explosion. Both outbursts have launched solar storms that will likely hit Earth this weekend and trigger vibrant aurora displays.
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