Solar cycle 24 on its way

Solar cycle 24 on its way

Science has only just begun to understand how cyclical changes in the Sun effect Earth’s weather and climate. But the more technological human society grows, the more vulnerable we may become.Activity on the Sun is due to reach its peak around early 2014, so expect

Geomagnetic storm in progress

Geomagnetic storm in progress

UPDATE: The Geomagnetic Storm has subsided over the past few hours. However, the solar wind remains energized and occasional pulses of activity are expected for another 24 hours. Region 1283, the responsible party back at the Sun, decayed today. The Geomagnetic Storm

Solar radio bursts

Solar radio bursts

This week's sharp increase in solar activity has turned the Sun into a radio transmitter. Bursts of shortwave static are coming from the unstable magnetic canopy of sunspot 1283. Yesterday in New Mexico, amateur radio astronomer Thomas Ashcraft recorded some…

New insights on how solar minimums affect Earth

New insights on how solar minimums affect Earth

Since 1611, humans have recorded the comings and goings of black spots on the sun. The number of these sunspots waxes and wanes over approximately an 11-year cycle – more sunspots generally mean more activity and eruptions on the sun and vice versa. The number of…

NASA-sponsored research explains missing sunspots

NASA-sponsored research explains missing sunspots

WASHINGTON — NASA-sponsored research has resulted in the first computer model that explains the recent period of decreased solar activity during the sun’s 11-year cycle.This recent solar minimum, a period characterized by a lower frequency of sunspots and solar

Missing sunspots gathered NASA’s scientist for briefing

Missing sunspots gathered NASA’s scientist for briefing

NASA said it has rescheduled a media teleconference to Wednesday 2 pm EST to discuss the first computer model that explains the recent period of decreased solar activity during the sun’s 11-year cycle.The recent solar minimum, a period characterized by a lower