The Sun is the star of our solar system. Its gravity holds Earth and our planetary neighbors in its orbit. At 865,000 miles (1.4 million km) in diameter, it\u2019s the largest object in our solar system. On Earth, its influence is felt in our weather, seasons, climate, and more. Let\u2019s learn about our dynamic star and its connections to life on Earth.<\/p>\n
What is the Sun, and what is it made of?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun is a yellow dwarf star. It is approximately 4.5 billion years old and is in its \u201cmain sequence\u201d phase. This means it is partway through its lifecycle with a few billion more years ahead of it.<\/p>\n
The Sun is made of hydrogen and helium gases. At its core, hydrogen is fused to form helium. This nuclear reaction creates the Sun\u2019s heat and light. That energy moves outward through the Sun\u2019s radiative zone and convective zone. It then reaches the Sun\u2019s visible surface and lower atmosphere, called the photosphere. Above the photosphere lies the chromosphere, which forms the Sun\u2019s middle atmosphere, and beyond that is the corona, the Sun\u2019s outermost atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Spherical](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/solar-cycle.png?w=941\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun is a yellow dwarf star with a complex series of layers and features.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is the solar cycle?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun goes through a pattern of magnetic activity known as the solar cycle. During each cycle, the Sun experiences a very active period called \u201csolar maximum\u201d and a less active period called \u201csolar minimum.\u201d<\/p>\n
During solar maximum, increased magnetic activity creates sunspots. These appear as darker, cooler spots on the Sun\u2019s surface. The more sunspots we can see, the more active the Sun is.<\/p>\n
The solar cycle begins at solar minimum, peaks at solar maximum, and then returns to solar minimum. This cycle is driven by the Sun\u2019s magnetic polarity, which flips \u2013 north becomes south, and vice versa \u2013 every 11 years. It takes two cycles \u2013 or 22 years \u2013 to complete the full magnetic cycle where the poles return to their original positions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/001-sun-comparison-medium.gif?w=950\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s level of magnetic activity changes throughout its 11-year solar cycle. During each cycle, the Sun experiences a less-active period called \u201csolar minimum\u201d (left) and a very active period called \u201csolar maximum\u201d (right).<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWait. The Sun\u2019s magnetic poles can flip??<\/strong><\/h2>\nYes! Like Earth, the Sun has north and south magnetic poles. But unlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles flip regularly. Each 11-year solar cycle is marked by the flipping of the Sun\u2019s poles. The increased magnetic activity during solar maximum makes the north and south poles less defined. As the cycle moves back to solar minimum, the polarization of the poles returns \u2013 with flipped polarity.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/solarpolarity.jpg?w=1041\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nUnlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles regularly flip with each 11-year solar cycle.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is space weather?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSpace weather includes phenomena such as solar wind, solar storms, and solar flares. When space weather conditions are calm, there may be little noticeable effect on Earth. But when the Sun is more active, space weather has real impacts on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore these phenomena and how they affect our planet.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/spaceweather1-en.jpg?w=800\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPeriods of increased solar activity can cause noticeable effects on Earth and in space.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is solar wind?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSolar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun\u2019s corona. It extends far beyond the orbit of the planets in our solar system. When solar wind reaches Earth, its charged particles interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth\u2019s north and south poles called aurora.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Animation](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sun-helio-small.gif?w=600\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nEarth\u2019s magnetic field protects our planet from the charged solar particles of the solar wind.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Bright](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dual-burst.gif?w=950\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sinha-aurorasaurus-pho-20240411.jpg?w=720\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
![\"Spherical](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/solar-cycle.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>What is the solar cycle?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun goes through a pattern of magnetic activity known as the solar cycle. During each cycle, the Sun experiences a very active period called \u201csolar maximum\u201d and a less active period called \u201csolar minimum.\u201d<\/p>\n
During solar maximum, increased magnetic activity creates sunspots. These appear as darker, cooler spots on the Sun\u2019s surface. The more sunspots we can see, the more active the Sun is.<\/p>\n
The solar cycle begins at solar minimum, peaks at solar maximum, and then returns to solar minimum. This cycle is driven by the Sun\u2019s magnetic polarity, which flips \u2013 north becomes south, and vice versa \u2013 every 11 years. It takes two cycles \u2013 or 22 years \u2013 to complete the full magnetic cycle where the poles return to their original positions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s level of magnetic activity changes throughout its 11-year solar cycle. During each cycle, the Sun experiences a less-active period called \u201csolar minimum\u201d (left) and a very active period called \u201csolar maximum\u201d (right).<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWait. The Sun\u2019s magnetic poles can flip??<\/strong><\/h2>\nYes! Like Earth, the Sun has north and south magnetic poles. But unlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles flip regularly. Each 11-year solar cycle is marked by the flipping of the Sun\u2019s poles. The increased magnetic activity during solar maximum makes the north and south poles less defined. As the cycle moves back to solar minimum, the polarization of the poles returns \u2013 with flipped polarity.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nUnlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles regularly flip with each 11-year solar cycle.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is space weather?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSpace weather includes phenomena such as solar wind, solar storms, and solar flares. When space weather conditions are calm, there may be little noticeable effect on Earth. But when the Sun is more active, space weather has real impacts on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore these phenomena and how they affect our planet.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nPeriods of increased solar activity can cause noticeable effects on Earth and in space.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is solar wind?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSolar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun\u2019s corona. It extends far beyond the orbit of the planets in our solar system. When solar wind reaches Earth, its charged particles interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth\u2019s north and south poles called aurora.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nEarth\u2019s magnetic field protects our planet from the charged solar particles of the solar wind.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Wait. The Sun\u2019s magnetic poles can flip??<\/strong><\/h2>\nYes! Like Earth, the Sun has north and south magnetic poles. But unlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles flip regularly. Each 11-year solar cycle is marked by the flipping of the Sun\u2019s poles. The increased magnetic activity during solar maximum makes the north and south poles less defined. As the cycle moves back to solar minimum, the polarization of the poles returns \u2013 with flipped polarity.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nUnlike Earth, the Sun\u2019s poles regularly flip with each 11-year solar cycle.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is space weather?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSpace weather includes phenomena such as solar wind, solar storms, and solar flares. When space weather conditions are calm, there may be little noticeable effect on Earth. But when the Sun is more active, space weather has real impacts on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore these phenomena and how they affect our planet.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nPeriods of increased solar activity can cause noticeable effects on Earth and in space.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is solar wind?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSolar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun\u2019s corona. It extends far beyond the orbit of the planets in our solar system. When solar wind reaches Earth, its charged particles interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth\u2019s north and south poles called aurora.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nEarth\u2019s magnetic field protects our planet from the charged solar particles of the solar wind.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>What is space weather?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSpace weather includes phenomena such as solar wind, solar storms, and solar flares. When space weather conditions are calm, there may be little noticeable effect on Earth. But when the Sun is more active, space weather has real impacts on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore these phenomena and how they affect our planet.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nPeriods of increased solar activity can cause noticeable effects on Earth and in space.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat is solar wind?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSolar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun\u2019s corona. It extends far beyond the orbit of the planets in our solar system. When solar wind reaches Earth, its charged particles interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth\u2019s north and south poles called aurora.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nEarth\u2019s magnetic field protects our planet from the charged solar particles of the solar wind.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>What is solar wind?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSolar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow outward from the Sun\u2019s corona. It extends far beyond the orbit of the planets in our solar system. When solar wind reaches Earth, its charged particles interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth\u2019s north and south poles called aurora.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nEarth\u2019s magnetic field protects our planet from the charged solar particles of the solar wind.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>What are solar storms, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are a tangle of constant motion. These fields twist and stretch to the point that they snap and reconnect. When this magnetic reconnection occurs, it releases a burst of energy that can cause a solar storm.<\/p>\n
Solar storms can include phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. They happen more frequently around the solar maximum of the Sun\u2019s cycle. A solar flare is an intense burst of light and energy from the Sun\u2019s surface. Solar flares tend to happen near sunspots where the Sun\u2019s magnetic fields are strongest. A coronal mass ejection is a massive cloud of material flowing outward from the Sun. These can occur on their own or along with solar flares.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe Sun\u2019s magnetic field is strongest near sunspots. These active regions of the Sun\u2019s surface release energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections like these.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>How do these phenomena affect Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen a solar storm erupts towards Earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from significant harm. However, some impacts are possible, both on Earth and in space. For example, strong solar storms can cause power outages and radio blackouts. GPS signals can be disrupted. Satellite electronics can be affected. And astronauts working outside of the International Space Station could be exposed to dangerous radiation. NASA monitors and forecasts space weather to protect the safety and health of astronauts and spacecraft.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWhen charged particles from intense solar storms interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic fields, colorful auroras like this one captured in Saskatchewan, Canada, can occur.<\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLearn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Learn more about the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\nNASA\u2019s Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 on the first-ever mission to fly into the Sun\u2019s corona. Since its first pass through the corona in 2021, every orbit has brought it closer to the Sun. On Dec. 24, 2024, it makes the first of its three final, closest solar approaches of its primary mission. Test your knowledge with NASA\u2019s new quiz, Kahoot! Parker Solar Probe trivia<\/a>.<\/p>\nVisit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n
Visit these resources for more details about the Sun:<\/p>\n