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Charting the skies of history

Researchers at Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Polar Research used ancient texts to track past solar events, including prolonged auroras. They found clear patterns in solar activity and discovered that auroras were more prevalent during maximal solar cycles.

SourceKyoto University·JournalSpace Weather·DateApr 5, 2017

VLA yields new insights on solar flares

Astronomers have confirmed a proposed explanation for how solar flares accelerate charged particles to nearly the speed of light using the upgraded VLA radio telescope. The new observations support the idea that a termination shock is responsible for accelerating electrons, with results closely matching computer simulations.

Solar explosions inside a computer

Researchers have developed a model that uses self-organised criticality and fluid dynamics to predict the occurrence of solar flares. The model has shown to be consistent with observations in a quantitative sense, enabling scientists to better understand and prepare for these powerful events.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014

Sunspots: Coming and going

Two large sunspots, AR1890 and AR1897, are active on the sun, with AR1890 producing significant flares and AR1897 nearing its appearance on Earth-side of the sun. The sun's 11-year activity cycle is increasing towards solar maximum conditions, leading to an uptick in flares.