Latest news with #solaractivity
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Climate
- Fast Company
Aurora borealis forecast: Northern lights may be visible in 15 states tonight. Here's the best time to see them
If you missed the northern lights, or aurora borealis, earlier this month, you may have a second chance tonight, Wednesday, June 25, when they may be visible in some 15 U.S. states. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the next possibility for viewing the northern lights is Wednesday night, with best viewing from Alaska to South Dakota. The agency's three-day forecast is predicting G1 to G2 geomagnetic storms, which are considered minor to moderate, on a scale of G1 to G5. A stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the sun, is likely to create auroras, or swaths of blue, green, and purple in the sky, when it reaches Earth. This year's increased solar activity is likely the result of an 11-year sun cycle peaking through October. Where and when will the northern lights be visible? According to this map from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, a total of 15 are in the line of view for the auroras, with Alaska and the northernmost states expected to have the best visibility on Wednesday, June 25. They are: Alaska, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, Maine, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, northern Idaho, Iowa, and Washington. However, since we just experienced the summer solstice, which brings the longest days of the year, and therefore, the shortest nights, viewing may be hampered with less hours of night sky in some areas. The aurora borealis is best observed just after sunset or just before sunrise. predicts activity will remain high through 2025 and 2026. You can track the aurora on NOAA's page, where the agency is providing updates.
The National
21-06-2025
- Science
- The National
Sun unleashes powerful flares as it approaches its most active phase
The Sun has been unusually active this past week, sending out powerful bursts of energy known as solar flares, which have disrupted radio signals and created stunning auroras across parts of North America and Europe. Scientists say this is a sign that the Sun is nearing the peak of its natural 11-year cycle, known as the solar maximum, which had been forecast to take place in July. In recent days, the Sun has emitted several strong flares and enormous clouds of charged particles known as coronal mass ejections. One particularly powerful flare on June 17, classified as X-class, the strongest type, caused brief radio blackouts in North America, with warnings issued for satellites and astronauts in orbit. The Sun unleashed an even stronger X1.9-class flare on June 19, causing radio blackouts over parts of the US and Pacific region. As the Sun nears solar maximum, there is an increase in sunspots and energy bursts that can sometimes be directed towards Earth. Katepalli Raju Sreenivasan, a scientist at New York University Abu Dhabi, said that while solar activity is expected to peak sometime in the next few months, 'no one knows exactly when'. 'It is not going to be especially violent activity this year, so I don't expect any unprecedented damage to Earth's communication infrastructure,' he told The National. 'But I should also say that what matters to us is not necessarily the magnitude of the solar activity but whether one or two of the highly energetic emissions from the Sun reach the Earth. Most, of course, pass by without any effect.' Most of the time, these events do indeed miss Earth or only cause minor effects. But when a strong burst of solar energy is aimed directly at the planet, it can trigger geomagnetic storms, which are powerful disturbances that impact satellites, radio communication, GPS and power grids. Dr Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, a space scientist at the University of Michigan, explained the science behind it. 'Solar activity peaks at the solar max because of the increasing number of active spots on the Sun, which are associated with strong releases of magnetic and charged particle energies into the interplanetary environment,' he said. While this can cause disruptions to technology, it also leads to one of the most beautiful natural phenomena – Northern and Southern Lights, or Aurora. 'On the bright side, increased geo-effective phenomena means more chances of observing the mesmerising Northern Lights over the next couple of years,' he said. 'On the other side, heightened geo-effective space weather threatens our technological civilisation, from space-borne assets and the life of astronauts in orbit due to increased space radiation levels, as well as ground-based technologies including communication and power grid platforms due to increased electromagnetic disturbances.' A reminder from history Solar storms have affected Earth in the past. The most powerful on record took place in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, which disrupted telegraph systems and lit up skies around the world with bright auroras. If a storm of that magnitude happened today, it could severely damage satellites, knock out internet and GPS systems and disrupt power supplies in major cities. In 1989, a solar storm caused a blackout for six million people in Quebec, Canada. In 2003, a series of flares damaged satellites and forced airlines to reroute flights away from polar regions due to radiation risks. Watching the Sun closely To stay prepared, space agencies such as Nasa and the European Space Agency are using satellites to monitor the Sun around the clock. Missions s the Parker Solar Probe and Soho (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) help scientists understand what is coming and give warning before a storm hits Earth. Nasa's Parker Solar Probe became the first human-made object to 'touch the Sun', when it flew through the sun's upper atmosphere to sample particles and magnetic fields in 2021. It beat its own record in 2024 when it made another close approach to the Sun, reaching 6.1 million kilometres from the Sun's surface. The spacecraft also achieved a record-breaking speed of 692,000 kilometres per hour during this fly-by.
South China Morning Post
19-06-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China to lead global space weather network to monitor dangerous solar eruptions
China has set out to lead the construction of the world's most comprehensive space weather monitoring and warning network, an ambitious ground-based system comprising the largest chain of observatories on Earth, passing through more than 10 countries and regions. The International Meridian Circle Programme (IMCP) is aimed at building a matrix of surveillance stations to better understand and forecast solar activity such as solar storms, which can severely disrupt satellite communications , navigation and power grids on Earth. The programme covers a huge section of the Earth – extending halfway around the planet and forming the largest network of observatories ever built. The project, which according to the IMCP website does not include the United States, was officially launched at a forum during the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan province, on June 12. The Post has contacted the scientists in charge of the initiative for comment. During the forum, five more organisations – including the Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, under the International Science Council – as well as research institutes from South Korea, Nigeria, Thailand and Uganda, signed cooperation agreements with the National Space Science Centre (NSSC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the lead institute of the project.
Sustainability Times
18-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Solar Pole Shock: This European Probe Just Captured the First Images Ever of the Sun's South Pole With Stunning Clarity
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 The Solar Orbiter mission has captured humanity's first-ever images of the sun's mysterious south pole. mission has captured humanity's first-ever images of the sun's mysterious south pole. 🔍 The mission revealed a chaotic magnetic patchwork that is key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip. that is key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip. 🌀 The sun's differential rotation twists its magnetic field, leading to periodic reversals every 11 years. 🚀 The data from the Solar Orbiter will enhance our ability to predict solar cycles and mitigate the effects of solar activity on Earth. The unveiling of the sun's south pole marks a groundbreaking moment in solar exploration. For the first time, the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have managed to capture images of this mysterious region, offering new insights into the sun's complex behavior. This daring mission, which involved maneuvering the spacecraft below the solar system's planetary plane, promises to deepen our understanding of the sun's 11-year polarity flip and its chaotic magnetic field. Scientists are hopeful that these revelations will pave the way for more accurate predictions of solar activity, which is crucial for safeguarding our technological infrastructure. First-Ever Views of the Sun's South Pole The Solar Orbiter mission represents a monumental achievement in space exploration. By swooping 15 degrees below the solar equator, the spacecraft captured humanity's first-ever views of the sun's south pole. This region, previously hidden from direct observation, is now in the spotlight, thanks to the collaborative efforts of ESA and NASA. The mission's success marks the beginning of a new era in solar science, as researchers are now able to study the sun's poles in unprecedented detail. Prof Carole Mundell, ESA's director of science, emphasized the significance of this achievement by stating, 'The sun is our nearest star, giver of life and potential disruptor of modern space and ground power systems.' Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as solar activity can have profound effects on Earth, disrupting satellites and power grids. This mission not only highlights the importance of solar research but also demonstrates the capabilities of modern space technology. Revolutionary Solar Tech Unveiled: Ultra-Efficient Panels with Breakthrough Nanolayers Set to Transform Energy at Lightning Speed Magnetic Mosaic Confirmed at Last Beyond capturing images, the Solar Orbiter has also unveiled a chaotic magnetic patchwork at the sun's base. This intricate mosaic, characterized by fragmented north and south polarities, had been predicted by computer models for years but was never directly observed until now. Scientists believe that these observations hold the key to understanding the sun's 11-year polarity flip, a phenomenon that fundamentally alters the solar magnetic field. Prof Lucie Green from UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory, who has been involved with the mission since 2005, remarked on the significance of these findings. She noted that the sun's magnetic field is responsible for its dynamic behavior, transforming it from a quiet star to one filled with explosive activity. By tracking these polar changes, scientists aim to improve forecasts of the solar cycle, enhancing our ability to predict solar storms and protect our technological assets. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Solar Spin Fuels Chaos The sun's unique rotation pattern further complicates its magnetic behavior. Unlike Earth, the sun exhibits differential rotation, with its equator spinning faster than its poles. This uneven spin twists the sun's magnetic field, much like a rubber band being wound up. Eventually, this tension leads to a magnetic reversal, flipping the north and south poles every 11 years. This cosmic reset is a critical aspect of the solar cycle, influencing everything from sunspots to solar flares. Despite decades of research, scientists still struggle to predict the precise timing and intensity of the solar cycle's peaks and troughs. As the sun approaches its next solar minimum, a period of reduced activity, the data collected by the Solar Orbiter will be invaluable. Launched in 2020, the mission will continue to provide insights as it orbits the sun, gradually increasing its observational angle up to 33 degrees by 2029. '56,000 Homes Become a Power Plant': California Firm Creates Largest Virtual Energy Source in US With Revolutionary Grid-Sharing Tech Solar Cycle Phase Characteristics Solar Maximum Increased sunspots and solar flares, magnetic field reversal Solar Minimum Decreased activity, stabilized magnetic field Implications for Future Solar Research The successful imaging of the sun's south pole not only expands our understanding of solar phenomena but also sets the stage for future research. As technology advances, missions like the Solar Orbiter will continue to push the boundaries of what we know about our closest star. The insights gained from these missions are essential for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of solar activity on Earth. As we look to the future, the question remains: How will the knowledge gained from these groundbreaking observations shape our approach to space exploration and our understanding of the universe? The answers could redefine our relationship with the cosmos and our place within it. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Solar Orbiter spacecraft snaps first images of Sun's south pole
The first ever video and images of the Sun's south pole have been sent back to Earth by the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter new images will enable scientists to learn how the Sun cycles between periods of raging storms and quiet is important because intense solar activity can affect satellite communication and knock out power grids on new images show a shimmering bright atmosphere which in parts reaches temperatures of a million degrees Celsius. Interspersed are darker clouds of gas, which although much cooler, are still a searing one hundred thousand pictures are the closest and most detailed ever taken of the Sun and will help scientists learn how the star that gives us life on Earth actually works, according to Prof Carole Mundell, ESA's Director of Science"Today we reveal humankind's first-ever views of the Sun's pole," she says."The Sun is our nearest star, giver of life and potential disruptor of modern space and ground power systems, so it is imperative that we understand how it works and learn to predict its behaviour". From Earth, the Sun is so bright that it appears like a featureless disc. But at different frequencies and using special filters, scientists can see it in its true form: as a dynamic fluid ball, with magnetic fields twisting and turning on the surface and conjuring up flares and loops of gas into its is these magnetic fields that determine when the Sun rages and spits out particles toward the know that the Sun has a quiet period when the magnetic fields are ordered, with our star having a fixed magnetic north and south pole. This is a phase when the Sun is not able to produce violent explosions, but these fields then become complex and chaotic as they reorientate with the north and south poles flipping approximately every 11 the chaotic period the Sun tries to reduce its complexity and violence spills out, as bits of the Sun hurtle toward the Earth. These solar storms can damage communications satellites and power grids, though they can also cause beautiful auroras in the to Prof Lucie Green of UCL, it has been hard to predict this activity with computer models of the Sun because there has been no data on the migration of the magnetic fields towards the poles. But that has now changed"We now have the missing piece of the puzzle," she told BBC News."The reversal of the polar magnetic fields on the Sun has been one of the big open questions in science and what we will be able to do with Solar Orbiter is measure for the first time the really important fluid flows that grab pieces of the magnetic field across the Sun and transport them to the polar regions". The ultimate goal is to develop computer models of the Sun so that this so-called space weather can be predicted. Accurate forecasts will enable satellite operators, power distribution companies, as well as aurora watchers, to better plan for intense solar storms."This is the Holy Grail of solar physics," says Prof Christopher Owen, who specialises in solar wind studies using data from the spacecraft."Solar Orbiter will enable us to get to the bottom of some of the basic science of space weather. But a little more work needs to be done before we get to the point where we see signals on the Sun that we can rely on to predict eruptions that might hit the Earth". Solar Orbiter also has captured new images of chemical elements at different layers of the Sun and their movement. These have been taken using an instrument called SPICE, which measures the specific frequencies of light, called spectral lines, which are sent out by specific chemical elements hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, neon and magnesium at known the first time, the SPICE team has tracked spectral lines to measure how fast clumps of solar material are moving. These measurements can reveal how particles are flung out from the Sun in the form of solar wind.
