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![A person stands on a dark beach under a vibrant display of green and blue northern lights, which streak across the sky in a dynamic, swirling pattern. A large, rugged rock formation rises nearby, adding to the dramatic scene.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oPqHzp4RXAQVsBWwGU6gGi-320-80.jpg)
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.
![white flares of light erupt from a dark blue circle on a light blue background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oNBVEZC7CbmzWBty7SyN5K-320-80.gif)
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.
![An image of the sun split in half. The left side shows the sun during solar maximum, where its is more fiery and chaotic, and the right side shows the star during solar minimum, when it is more calm and smooth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ncYkMewFswabFJz4x7tsh4-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A wide-angle shot of a pink and green aurora with the silhouette of trees on the horizon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rb3sGkeMWkagGAs4vAYhqb-320-80.jpg)
'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.
![A solar eclipse where the middle of the sun is blocked but the outer ring is visible](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PveR9EMzHEPikqLZjhS68W-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A photo of the sun with an X-shaped flash on its surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SfjzjQU5ZiwCKSwUvA8ztd-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A time lapse showing the progression of a solar eclipse directly above an Easter Island statue](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oXkUmqmNCshbPp9rUY28Ri-320-80.jpg)
'Ring of fire' solar eclipse blazes over Easter Island in incredible new image
By Brandon Specktor published
On Oct. 2, a partial "ring of fire" solar eclipse was visible from the remote island of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, where around 1,000 stone moai statues stand. You can see the whole celestial event play out in this incredible composite image.
![Bright red and yellow colors of the annular solar eclipse occurs on January 15, 2010 in Qingdao, Shandong Province of China.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zShRSRcqXsaeo3SLRGD4mh-320-80.jpg)
Watch live: A 'ring of fire' solar eclipse has begun over Easter Island
By Brandon Specktor published
The Oct. 2 partial solar eclipse, known as an annular or "ring of fire" eclipse, is about to begin over Easter Island and South America. Watch it for free right here.
![A photo of the sun showing a bright flash on its surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8Yxyt3ZQGTt4adshxcNhS9-320-80.jpg)
Monster X-class flare launches massive solar storm towards Earth — and could trigger auroras this weekend
By Harry Baker published
The sun just unleashed one of its largest solar explosions in recent years, temporarily causing a radio blackout on Earth and spitting out a coronal mass ejection that will likely collide with our planet this weekend.
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