Space Weather

See our amazing collection of stories and features about the increasingly important topic of space weather (aka solar storms).

Related Topics: Solar Eclipse, Aurora Borealis 

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earth magnetic field

Earth's Magnetic Field Can Reverse Poles Ridiculously Quickly, Study Suggests

By Brandon Specktor last updated

Earth's magnetic field is far less stable than scientists thought.

skyglow steve

Eerie Sky Glow Called 'Steve' Isn't an Aurora, Is 'Completely Unknown' to Science

By Brandon Specktor published

There is a beautiful mystery in the sky, and its name is Steve.

Parker Solar Probe launch

NASA Solar Probe Hits 1st Deep-Space Milestones On Its Way to the Sun

By Mike Wall published

aurora

Astronaut Snaps 'Mind-Blowing' Aurora Picture from Space

By Meghan Bartels published

Most of us are lucky to catch a glimpse of a stunning aurora painting the skies once or twice in our lives — but astronauts have better odds of spotting the beautiful phenomenon.

Parker Solar Probe launch

A Fireball and a Wall of Sound: What NASA's Epic Solar Probe Launch Felt Like

By Mike Wall published

The launch of NASA's $1.5 billion Parker Solar Probe atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket was spectacular. Here's what it was like to see it in person.

solar probe plus

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission to the Sun in Pictures

By Space.com Staff published

See images of NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission, which the agency plans to launch in July 2018. The spacecraft will get seven times closer to the sun than any probe ever has.

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launches NASA's Parker Solar Probe to the sun from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on Aug. 12, 2018.

Launch Photos! NASA's Parker Solar Probe Blasts Off to Touch the Sun

By Meghan Bartels published

The United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying NASA's Parker Solar Probe launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on Aug. 12, 2018. It is the first mission ever to attempt to touch the sun.

Scientists Over the Moon for NASA's Solar Probe Launch to the Sun

By Amy Thompson published

NASA's spectacular Parker Solar Probe launch to the sun today (Aug. 12) has scientists over the moon. Here's why they're so thrilled.

Parker Solar Probe Launch

NASA Launches Daring Solar Probe Mission to Kiss the Sun

By Mike Wall published

NASA's historic and audacious Parker Solar Probe mission, which will travel faster and get closer to the sun than any other spacecraft, lifted off early this morning (Aug. 12) from Florida.

Parker Solar Probe and Delta IV Heavy Rocket on Launch Pad

Last-Minute Glitch Delays Launch of NASA's Parker Solar Probe

By Meghan Bartels published

NASA's $1.5 billion Parker Solar Probe will have to wait at least another day to launch to the sun after a last-minute glitch forced the space agency to postpone the liftoff for at least 24 hours.

Parker Solar Probe Rolls Out (1)

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Rolls Out to Launchpad for Sun-Touching Mission

By Mike Wall published

Parker Solar Probe art

Why Is NASA Launching the Parker Solar Probe to the Sun at Night?

By Amy Thompson published

This weekend, NASA's Parker Solar Probe will boldly go where no spacecraft has dared go before — up close and personal with the sun — lifting off with its destination hidden and the sky dark.

Eugene Parker

Pioneering Solar Scientist Eugene Parker Gets His Day in the Sun

By Sarah Lewin published

Parker Solar Probe Infographic

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission to the Sun Explained (Infographic)

By Jef Castro published

Learn all about NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission, which the agency aims to launch in July 2018. The spacecraft will get seven times closer to the sun than any probe ever has before.

How NASA's New Solar Probe Will 'Touch' the Sun on Historic Mission

By Meghan Bartels published

We see it every day, but our sun still poses countless mysteries. But not for long, if NASA's Parker Solar Probe has its way.

Parker Solar Probe art

In Just One Week, NASA Will Launch a Spacecraft to 'Touch the Sun'

By Meghan Bartels published

NASA is just a week away from launching its next science mission, a spacecraft called the Parker Solar Probe that is currently scheduled to launch early in the morning on Aug. 11.

solar flare

How a Solar Flare Amped Up Chaos of Hurricane Irma

By Meghan Bartels published

x3.1 solar flare

The Sun Isn't Silent — Hear Its Song in New Observatory Data

By Chelsea Gohd published

The sun is not silent; in fact, it has a surprisingly soothing sound.

Mars' proton aurora

'Stolen' Electrons Spark Unusual Auroras on Mars

By Samantha Mathewson published

A new type of aurora has been spotted on Mars, and thieving streams of solar wind may be to blame, a new study shows.

Parker Solar Probe's heat shield

Parker Solar Probe vs. Blowtorch: Watch a Blazing-Hot Showdown

By Elizabeth Howell published

NASA's next solar spacecraft can withstand so much heat that even a blowtorch won't disturb the shield, a new video shows.