Heliophysics - Space Weather Topics
Space Weathercamera set for launch in 2000
1999 — April 6, 2011
A unique camera that will take some of the first pictures of Earth's invisible magnetic shield is being prepared for flight.
Solar Activity Heats Up
1999 — April 6, 2011
A series of major solar flares and a coronal mass ejection this past weekend could trigger geomagnetic storms and auroral displays visible at high latitudes.
Scientists to explore what they know about space weather
1998 — April 6, 2011
Conference in Alabama will bring scientists from all over the world to discuss the invisible, but very active, magnetosphere of Earth.
Magnetic Portals Connect Earth to the Sun
2008 — April 6, 2011
Researchers have discovered 'magnetic portals' forming high above Earth that can briefly connect our planet to the Sun. Not only are the portals common, one space physicist contends they form twice as often as anyone had previously imagined.
What's Wrong with the Sun?
2008 — April 6, 2011
The sun is entering its 3rd year of eerie calm. Sunspots are rare and solar flares simply aren't happening. Is this "solar minimum" lasting longer than it should? A NASA scientist has examined centuries of sunspot data to find the answer.
Plasma Bullets Trigger Northern Lights
2008 — April 6, 2011
Researchers have discovered what powers brilliant outbursts of Northern Lights: gigantic plasma bullets launched toward Earth by explosions 1/3rd of the way to the Moon.
NASA to Explore a "Secret Layer" of the Sun
2008 — April 6, 2011
NASA researchers are preparing to launch an experimental telescope that can see a layer of the sun thought to be the "birthplace of space weather."
A Super Solar Flare
2008 — Sept. 20, 2011
In September 1859, a solar flare erupted so intense that the explosion itself was visible to the human eye. A ferocious geomagnetic storm ensued in which Northern Lights descended as far south as Cuba, the Bahamas and Hawaii. Meanwhile, telegraph engineers disconnected their batteries and powered communications by electricity from the auroras! Could it happen again?
Ulysses Flyby of the Sun's North Pole
2008 — Sept. 20, 2011
At a pivotal moment of the solar cycle, the NASA/ESA Ulysses spacecraft is flying over the sun's mysterious North Pole.
Solar Wind Loses Power, Hits 50-year Low
2008 — April 6, 2011
In a briefing today at NASA headquarters, solar physicists announced that the solar wind is losing power. This development has repercussions across the solar system.