All articles tagged with #coronal mass ejections
Four NASA missions captured a record-breaking 19-day solar radio burst originating from a helmet streamer in the Sun’s corona, likely powered by multiple coronal mass ejections; researchers developed a new technique to localize the source, aiding space-weather forecasting.
A 19-day Type IV solar radio burst from a helmet streamer, likely re-energized by three CMEs, suggests coronal magnetic structures can trap electrons for weeks, making the event a persistent rather than transient structure and prompting a rethink of how solar activity and exoplanet habitability are modeled.
NASA and international spacecraft tracked a 19-day Type IV solar radio burst—the longest ever observed—originating from a helmet streamer in the Sun's outer atmosphere. The event, likely powered by a sequence of three coronal mass ejections, kept electrons trapped and replenished, extending radio emissions well beyond typical durations. Observations from Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, STEREO, and Wind allowed near-continuous monitoring as the Sun rotated, offering new insights for forecasting space weather and understanding large-scale solar magnetic structures.
NASA reports two X-class solar flares within seven hours—X2.4 on April 23 and X2.5 on April 24—that knocked out radio signals on Earth’s dayside and likely accompanied by CMEs. While the sunspot’s position makes a direct Earth impact unlikely, forecasters say a glancing CME could bring geomagnetic activity and possibly auroras as paths are monitored.
A Sun X1.4 flare from active region 4405 triggered a radio blackout and a coronal mass ejection heading toward Earth, prompting a G2 geomagnetic storm watch as Artemis 2’s launch window nears; NASA says there’s an 80% chance of favorable conditions on Wednesday, but CME timing could delay the mission if communications or navigation are affected.
The Sun erupted four strong X-class flares from sunspot cluster RGN 4366, including an X8.1—the most powerful since October 2024—potentially boosting energetic particle events and coronal mass ejections. CMEs can illuminate auroras but also disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications. Forecasters say more “exciting activity” could be on the way as the Sun remains unusually active during its 11‑year cycle, even though overall activity is expected to wind down later this decade.
NOAA reports that sunspot group RGN 4366 has grown into a complex region capable of producing flares from M1 to X1, but no coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been observed yet. The region remains the primary feature to watch during the week of 1–7 February 2026. Current NOAA space weather scales show minor radio blackout risks (R1) with HF radio degradation on the sunlit side.
A series of four coronal mass ejections from the sun are expected to reach Earth between October 15 and 17, potentially triggering minor geomagnetic storms and impressive northern lights displays in northern regions like Canada, northern U.S., and northern Europe, with effects possibly lasting several days.
Scientists using the Solar Orbiter have traced high-speed electrons back to the sun, discovering they originate from two types of solar outbursts: small-scale solar flares and larger coronal mass ejections, which has implications for understanding space weather and protecting spacecraft.
The Solar Orbiter mission has identified two distinct sources of energetic electrons from the Sun—solar flares and coronal mass ejections—by observing over 300 events, which enhances understanding of space weather and helps improve forecasting to protect spacecraft and astronauts.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured the closest images of the Sun, revealing detailed views of solar winds and coronal mass ejections, which are crucial for understanding space weather and its impact on Earth. The probe's data helps improve predictions of space weather events that can affect technology and astronauts, with future passes planned to further study the Sun's outer atmosphere.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured the closest-ever images of the sun, revealing details about the solar wind and coronal mass ejections, which are crucial for understanding space weather and its impact on Earth. The probe's data helps scientists study the origins of different types of solar wind and their behavior near the sun, advancing our knowledge of solar phenomena.
NASA's PUNCH mission has captured unprecedented images of colossal solar eruptions called CMEs, providing detailed views of how these solar storms travel through the inner solar system, which could improve space weather forecasting and protect satellites and astronauts.
The sun recently emitted three powerful X-class solar flares within 24 hours, disrupting high-frequency radio communications on Earth and potentially causing radio blackouts over the Pacific and Indian oceans. While the first two flares did not release coronal mass ejections (CMEs), the impact of the third flare is still being assessed. Despite speculation, the solar flares are unlikely to have caused the recent AT&T cellular network outage. Skywatchers may miss out on northern lights displays due to the absence of CMEs, but there are still chances for more solar flares and CMEs as the active sunspot region continues to be active.
A surge in solar activity in mid-December 2023 resulted in vibrant auroras across the northern latitudes of Earth. The auroras were captured by the VIIRS on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite, which detects nighttime light in various wavelengths. These auroras were likely caused by coronal mass ejections observed a few days earlier, which interact with Earth's upper atmosphere to produce colorful displays. The Sun's activity is increasing as it approaches the peak of solar cycle 25, expected in July 2025. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are monitored to track solar activity and their potential impact on Earth.