Heliophysics - Space Weather Topics
A Solar Radiation Storm
2000 — April 6, 2011
A powerful solar flare on July 14th triggered an intense radiation storm in the vicinity of Earth. The eruption was followed by a fast-moving coronal mass ejection that is expected to strike Earth's magnetosphere as early as Saturday. The impact could trigger Northern and Southern Lights bright enough to be seen in spite of this weekend's brilliant full Moon. Such a display is by no means guaranteed, but it is possible.
Interplanetary Fall
2000 — April 6, 2011
Today Earth joins two other worlds in the solar system where it is northern autumn. Read this story to learn more about Earth's September equinox and to ponder the bizarre seasons of other planets.
IMAGE Blasts Off
2000 — April 6, 2011
NASA's newest Space Weathersatellite soared into space on a Delta II rocket this weekend.
Solar Cycle Update
2000 — April 6, 2011
Is the real Y2K problem just starting? NASA scientists say not to worry. The solar cycle appears to be on schedule for a peak in mid-2000, but this year's Solar Max appears to be slightly smaller than peaks registered in 1978 and 1989. Check out this story for predictions and for a summary of recent solar activity.
IMAGE First Light
2000 — April 6, 2011
NASA's IMAGE mission, a unique satellite dedicated to the study of space storms, has returned its first pictures of electrified gas surrounding our planet. Using antennas as large as the Empire State building, the satellite is taking an unprecedented look at Earth's magnetic environment and its response to fierce gusts of solar wind.
SOHO Sees Through the Sun
2000 — April 6, 2011
Predicting solar activity can be tricky but now Space Weatherforecasters have a way to predict the future. Researchers using the orbiting Solar and Heliospheric Observatory have developed a new method to see what's on the far side of our star before it rotates over the Sun's limb to face Earth.
A Surprising Coronal Mass Ejection
2000 — April 6, 2011
The sunspot number has been remarkably low this week, but that didn't stop the Sun from unleashing an unusual type of solar flare yesterday. As a result of the explosion, a coronal mass ejection is heading toward our planet. It could trigger an auroral display when it hits Earth's magnetosphere around Sept. 14.
Solar Smoke Rings
2000 — April 6, 2011
The Sun put on a dynamic show this week with a series of swirling coronal mass ejections.
A Solar Flare Stuns Stardust
2000 — April 6, 2011
Earlier this month one of the most intense solar radiation storms in decades temporarily blinded NASA's Stardust spacecraft, which is heading for a rendezvous with comet Wild-2.
Solar S'Mores
2000 — April 6, 2011
As a result of the approaching solar maximum, Earth's atmosphere is puffed up like a marshmallow over a campfire. This leads to extra drag on Earth-orbiting satellites. Just last week, NASA Astronautsboosted the International Space Stationto a higher altitude to combat its orbit decay.