solar flare
Huge Sunspot Region Facing Earth Develops 'Beta-Gamma' Magnetic Field
The magnetic classification is associated with solar flares—thankfully they're unlikely to be disruptive.
NASA Records Huge Flare From New, Active Region Emerging on Sun's Surface
The flare itself wasn't disruptive, but it indicates that a source of more flares could be slowly rotating toward our planet, according to officials.
New, Huge Sunspot Triples in Size in 24 Hours
Sunspots, caused by the sun's tangled magnetic field, can eject solar material towards Earth resulting in geomagnetic storms.
Cosmic Rays Plummet to Six-Year Low As Solar Storms Rage
Cosmic rays recorded in the atmosphere above California have dropped sharply thanks to the sun's increasing activity.
'Full-Halo' Solar Storm from Tsunami on Sun Surface Headed for Earth
A huge "full-halo" solar ejection is headed straight for Earth, and will result in spectacular auroral displays on July 23.
Solar Storm from Holes in Sun's Corona Headed Straight for Earth
A surge of solar wind following a coronal mass ejection from the sun is due to hit the Earth's atmosphere, creating a beautiful aurora display.
Solar Storms From Raging Sun Are Set to Make Satellites Fall From Sky
Streams of solar particles can force satellites out of their orbits. Over the next few years, it's a problem that could only get worse.
What Would Happen If a Doomsday, Carrington-Sized Solar Flare Hit Earth?
In 1859, a solar flare shocked the world. In 2012, we had a very close miss. At some point, Earth will be hit again.
Huge Solar Eruption With Unknown Origin Could Be Flying Towards Earth
Data is unclear as to whether the coronal mass ejection is facing away from or towards Earth—though it's unlikely to cause disruption either way.
Giant Sunspot Has Doubled in Size in 24 Hours and It's Pointed at Earth
The huge sunspot has the potential to send a solar flare our way. Whether it will or not remains to be seen.
'Unusual' Solar Storm Recorded on Surface of Sun by Astronomy Photographer
A solar storm as large as four planet Earths has been recorded hovering above the Sun's surface.
Watch Dead Sunspot Send Huge Solar Flare Hurtling Towards Earth
Fortunately the M-class solar flare was not strong enough to be disruptive for us on Earth, though its bright flash was clear to see for NASA cameras.
Massive Solar Flares Are Coming From a New Sunspot Region, More to Come
A region of the sun that has only just rotated into view was responsible for a huge solar flare earlier this week associated with a radio blackout warning.
Huge Solar Storm Once Almost Triggered Nuclear War Between U.S. And Russia
When a solar flare knocked out radio communications during the Cold War, disaster was narrowly averted. Experts discuss how likely this scenario is today.
Photos Show Huge Swarm of Sunspots Big Enough to Swallow Earth
The group of dark blots on the sun's surface are areas of intense solar activity that could flare towards our planet.
Giant Eruption From Sun Might Have Sent Solar Storm Hurtling Towards Earth
The flare erupted from the sun on Wednesday night, and scientists are working to determine if a coronal mass ejection (CME) is headed towards us as a result.
The Sun Is Way More Active Than It Should Be Before Its Big Solar Peak
The number of sunspots—areas where solar flares and charged particles may erupt from—appears to be ahead of forecasts.
Incredible Northern Lights Photos Show U.S. Skies Glowing After Solar Storm
The stunning phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, could be seen in states including South Dakota and Montana on Wednesday night as part of a geomagnetic storm.
Solar Storm Could See Northern Lights Shimmering in U.S. Skies This Week
Two solar eruptions are heading towards Earth and could hit us by Thursday, said the Space Weather Prediction Center.
Huge Solar Eruption May 'Sideswipe' Earth on Thursday
The energy, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), erupted from the sun's surface on March 7 and might deliver a glancing blow to our planet.
Mega Explosion From Sun Captured in Tree Ring From Almost 10,000 Years Ago
Had the explosion occurred today, it would have been "catastrophic" for satellites, aircraft, and computers, said scientists.
Solar Storm That Could Spark Northern Lights to Hit Earth Today
The storm, caused by a huge release of energy from the sun in the form of a coronal mass ejection, might also interfere with some electronics.
See 'Significant' Solar Flare Shoot From Sun Toward Earth in NASA Photos
The burst of solar energy erupted from the sun on Thursday morning and was strong enough to potentially disrupt radio communications.
Solar Flares Could See Northern Lights Swirl Over North Pole on Xmas Eve
Santa will have some extra illumination to guide him over the North Pole this year as charged particles from the sun potentially enhance the aurora borealis.
Magical Photos Show Northern Lights After Huge Halloween Solar Storm
The colorful auroras showed up from Scotland to Canada after scientists warned of potentially disruptive events following the space-based phenomenon.
Eerie Video Shows Solar Flare Eruption Ahead of Halloween Sun-Storm Warning
The flare was facing away from Earth at the time it was recorded, but soon our planet could be looking "right down the beam" of solar activity.
A Sunspot Just Showered the Earth With Solar Flare X-Rays
It comes just weeks after scientists warned that a solar storm could set off voltage alarms and cause radio disruption.
Awesome Details About the Most Powerful Solar Storm in History
The storm caused auroras as bright as day and widespread communications disruptions back in 1859.
Superheated Plasma Collides With Earth as Solar Storm Rages
Solar storms have the potential to knock out power systems, and some warnings have been issued because of this burst of activity.
The Sun Has Been Spotless for 28 Days Straight Despite New Solar Cycle
Scientists announced the start of Solar Cycle 25, signaling the end of the solar minimum, on September 15.