The sun
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Sun blasts out highest-energy radiation ever recorded, raising questions for solar physics
By Monisha Ravisetti published
Using a 24/7 observatory that can detect when charged particles interact with water, scientists identified record-breaking rays coming from the sun.
1st solar eruption to simultaneously impact Earth, moon and Mars shows dangers of space radiation
By Robert Lea published
In 2021, a coronal mass ejection that erupted from the sun was seen across a staggering range of 155 million miles. It spit energetic particles toward Mars, the Earth and the moon.
Red giant stars: Facts, definition & the future of the sun
By Nola Taylor Tillman last updated
Reference A red giant star is a dying star in the last stages of stellar evolution. Our own sun will turn into a red giant, expand and engulf the inner planets — including Earth.
Scientists may have just cracked the sun's greatest mystery
By Tereza Pultarova published
Scientists may have just found what makes the sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, so inexplicably hot.
Stunning solar tornado swings into space above the glowing sun (video)
By Miguel Claro published
A new video shows off the sun's incredible power. A 'solar tornado' erupted from the surface in April, and you can watch it in 4K resolution.
Yes, solar storms are increasing, but don't lose sleep over an 'internet apocalypse.'
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Unfounded claims about a major solar storm in 2025 triggering widespread internet blackouts have been circulating online.
Why is the sun's outer atmosphere so staggeringly hot? AI could help us find out
By Keith Cooper published
Why the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, is so hot has been a mystery for decades, but machine-learning algorithms are now on the case.
Where was the sun? Here's why astronomers are more useful in court cases than you'd think
By Brad E Tucker published
Evidence in a court room often requires an expert to explain it – Expert astronomers usually are not what one pictures in court, but that is exactly what I do.
Happy Aphelion Day! Earth is at its farthest from the sun for 2023 today
By Joe Rao published
Earth reaches the farthest point in its orbit around the sun for 2023, called aphelion, on Thursday (July 6) at a distance of 94,506,364 miles (152,093,250 km).
A 'double punch' of solar storms could smash into Earth and spark widespread auroras this week
By Robert Lea published
As the U.S. celebrated July 4, the sun hosted its own fireworks display in the form of a coronal mass ejection "double punch" that NASA predicts could strike Earth on Friday (July 7).
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