Energetic collisions between magnetic fields produce gusty solar wind.
solar activity
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Sensing the Color of Soil for Climate Modeling
The color of soil reflecting the Sun’s rays affects the Earth’s climate and water cycle. Using satellite data that senses many wavelengths improves soil reflectivity estimates, especially in deserts.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Reducing Aerosol Climate-Forcing Uncertainty: A Three-Way Street
To reduce persistent aerosol-climate-forcing uncertainty, new in situ aerosol and cloud measurement programs are needed, plus much better integration of satellite and suborbital measurements with models.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Space Storms Miscue Train Signals
Geomagnetic storms could significantly disrupt electrified train operations in the United Kingdom once every few decades, according to a new study.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Updated Reference Standard for Total Solar Irradiance
Version 2 of the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-1 Hybrid Solar Reference Spectrum captures a spectral resolution spanning 0.115-200 micrometers and integrates nearly 100% of the TSI energy.
Posted inEditors' Vox
The International Reference Ionosphere – A Model Ionosphere
An accurate and reliable description of Earth’s ionosphere is of critical importance because of our increased reliance on satellite technology and the significant impact the ionosphere has on it.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Origin of Dawnside Subauroral Plasma Flows in Geomagnetic Storms
Geomagnetic storms induce fast plasma flows next to the aurora and affect space weather. Lin et al. explain the origin of a special “dawnside” plasma stream that occurs only during extreme storm events.
Posted inFeatures
Shake, Rattle, and Probe
Helioseismology allows scientists to study the interior of the Sun, solve some basic physics mysteries, and forecast space weather.
Posted inFeatures
11 Discoveries Awaiting Us at Solar Max
Each solar cycle might seem like the same old story, but one thing has changed significantly since the previous solar maximum–our technology.