Colliding plasma ejections from the Sun generate huge geomagnetic storms − studying them will help scientists monitor future space weather

While geomagnetic storms can lead to gorgeous aurora displays, they can also damage satellites and GPS.

Shirsh Lata Soni, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 21, 2025 ~6 min

Evolving intelligent life took billions of years − but it may not have been as unlikely as many scientists predicted

Humans evolved late in Earth history. While this timing inspired the conclusion that humanlike life is a cosmic improbability, a new study pushes back.

Jennifer L. Macalady, Professor of Geoscience, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min


A ‘ring of fire’ eclipse is taking place in South America and the Pacific. Here’s how eclipses happen

Argentina and Chile will see the ‘ring’, but other regions will see a partial eclipse.

Oisin Creaner, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University • conversation
Oct. 2, 2024 ~5 min

A ‘ring of fire’ eclipse is set to thrill skywatchers over South America and the Pacific

Parts of South America, the Pacific and Antarctica are under the path of an annular eclipse.

Tamsin Mynett, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment, Kingston University • conversation
Oct. 1, 2024 ~6 min

Scientists have found evidence of past extreme solar storms. Their return could be disastrous for our technology-based societies

Extreme solar storms could play havoc with technological infrastructure.

Tim Heaton, Professor of Applied Statistics, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds • conversation
Sept. 17, 2024 ~7 min

2 solar probes are helping researchers understand what phenomenon powers the solar wind

For years, researchers have wondered what energy source allows the solar wind − a projection of charged particles from the Sun − to rush by at hundreds of miles a second.

Samuel Badman, Researcher in Astrophysics, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
Aug. 29, 2024 ~8 min

Space weather forecasting needs an upgrade to protect future Artemis astronauts

The Sun will be at its most explosive right around the time NASA plans to put people back on the Moon.

Lulu Zhao, Assistant Research Scientist in Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
June 13, 2024 ~6 min

Scientists call the region of space influenced by the Sun the heliosphere – but without an interstellar probe, they don’t know much about its shape

An interstellar probe could help scientists answer fundamental questions about how the Sun influences Earth, space and other planets in the solar system.

Sarah A. Spitzer, Research Fellow in Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
June 7, 2024 ~9 min


The Sun is reaching the peak of its activity – here’s how that could cause more auroras and solar storms

Here’s what’s going on to cause more widespread northern and southern lights.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
June 6, 2024 ~7 min

Solar storms that caused pretty auroras can create havoc with technology — here’s how

Solar storms can play havoc with electrical grids, satellites and railway lines.

Jim Wild, Professor of Space Physics, Lancaster University • conversation
May 14, 2024 ~7 min

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