The Heliophysics Big Year
The Heliophysics Big Year is a global celebration of the Sun’s influence on Earth and the entire solar system. From Oct. 14, 2023, to Dec. 24, 2024, we are challenging you to participate in as many Sun-related activities as you can!
A Big Year for Our Sun
During the Heliophysics Big Year, we are challenging you to participate in as many Sun-related activities as you can!
Whether it's watching a solar eclipse, experiencing an aurora, participating in citizen science projects, or hosting a Sun party, we've got a year full of ways to celebrate the Sun!
Learn more from Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
Highlights of the Big Year
Annular Eclipse
On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular eclipse was visible from parts of the western United States.
Parker Solar Probe's Closest Approach
On Dec. 24, 2024, a record-breaking NASA mission will make its closest approach of the Sun.
Monthly Themes
Performance Art
June 2024
The Sun can put on spectacular shows in the sky. From Earth, we watch the dance between the Sun and Moon during eclipses, see the mesmerizing motion of the aurora, witness a tapestry of colors during sunrise and sunset, and sometimes even spot the bright flashes of sprites. All of these unique occurrences have inspired performance art — from dance, to music, to theater, and beyond.
This month, we’ll look at how various kinds of performance artists are moved by the Sun and its influence on Earth.
Performance Art
June 2024
Does the Sun or its interactions with Earth inspire you? Use these ideas to create your own performance art!
Compose a song on your favorite instrument thinking of the Sun, aurora, or anything heliophysics.
Write lyrics based on your favorite memory in the Sun.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the movement of the Sun across the sky.
Create a playlist of your favorite heliophysics-themed songs.
Participate in a citizen science project, like HARP, that uses sonification.
Performance Art
June 2024
The Sun’s influence extends far out, past the planets, creating the boundaries of our solar system. The Sun also influences us right here on Earth — including composer Henry Dehlinger’s piece "The Sun" from Cosmic Cycles: A Space Symphony.
NASA scientific visualizer Scott Wiessinger created a corresponding film that highlights powerful solar imagery to go along with the composition. See the video and listen to the piece here.
In 2023, the National Philharmonic performed this piece while the audience watched the video of solar imagery. “The Sun” is one of seven movements in the composition — each focusing on a different aspect of space.
