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Plasma physics

Solar flare, May 5

Biggest solar flare of the year showers the Earth

Science

The largest solar flare of the year erupted from the sun earlier this month. Space weather is the stuff that gets spewed out by the sun and other stars — electromagnetic energy, solar material. It travels through the solar system and interacts with everything it comes across, including the Earth’s magnetic field. While we’re mostly protected from harmful radiation, solar activity is sometimes disruptive and predicting it is difficult.

Second Solar Storm Headed for Earth

Earth enters period of turbulent solar weather

Environment

Where in the Solar System Is Voyager 1?

The World

The Sound of Earth’s Security Blanket

Environment
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The World

Going Solar

The sun gives us free energy. A lot of incentives and a little investment might enable you to tap its power and slash your electricity bill.

Solar Storm Expected to Hit Earth Today

One of the biggest solar storms in nearly six years is headed our way after a giant solar flare erupted from the sun earlier this week. The geomagnetic storm is expected to strike earth sometime today and result in disruptions in technology and an expansion of the Northern Lights. Richard Harrison is the chief scientist […]

The World

Video: Solar Storm To Lash Earth Until Wednesday

Environment

Our Geo Quiz starts 93 million miles away: on the surface of the Sun. A solar eruption happened over the weekend. It’s an immense blast of plasma and radiation streaming out from the sun. The question is, what kind of storm are we talking about?

The World

New Study Says Plants on Distant Planets May Be Black

Environment

BBC’s science reporter Neil Bowler explains how red dwarf stars — the most common type of star in the universe — could affect plant life on distant planets, making plants appear black or gray to human eyes.

Music With a Solar Flare

An astrophysicist finds a symphony at the center of our star system.

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