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
Physical & Mental Health
July 2024
How does the Sun factor into your health? From the benefits of vitamin D to how sunny days bring social connection, our closest star impacts humans physically and mentally. The Sun can affect when we exercise and even our next move in a sports game.
This month explores connections between the Sun and our physical and mental health from solar-inspired sports teams to Sun-themed meditations.
Physical & Mental Health
July 2024
Does the Sun or its interactions factor into health? Use these physical and mental health ideas to learn more about the Sun!
– Walk the solar system! Find a scale solar system in your area or create one, and walk from the Sun to each planet.
– Consider how your activities are influenced by the Sun. Do you play certain sports only in certain seasons? Why?
– Sunny days are great opportunities for social connection. Do you have favorite ways to connect with others when the Sun is out?
– Parker Solar Probe had a long journey to the Sun where it swung around Venus! Can you recreate that as a walk or run near you?
– Are there indoor activities you could try out in the Sun, like yoga? Practice outside next time — with sunscreen and lots of water!
– Try meditation in the Sun or a sunny area indoors and compare it to meditation at night.
Physical & Mental Health
July 2024
The Sun’s influence on Earth and our solar system has led to innovations that benefit our health.
At NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, scientist Shahid Aslam was investigating alternative methods for measuring extreme ultraviolet radiation on the Solar Dynamics Observatory when he hit upon semiconductors that measured wavelengths pertinent to human health. As a result, he and a partner developed a wrist monitor that lets people know when they’ve received their optimal amounts of sunlight for the day.
For astronauts on the International Space Station, the changes in sunlight can affect their health. The space station orbits Earth every 90 minutes, which means the crew members see 16 sunrises each day. These frequent changes from darkness to light severely impacts the body’s ability to adjust to a natural circadian rhythm. To combat this, lighting on the station transitioned to a type that allows the crew members to adjust the color spectrum and intensity of the light to promote alertness and circadian resetting, or to promote sleep. It also inspired inventions for use on Earth.
