Latest about solar maximum
X-class solar flares hit a new record in 2024 and could spike further this year — but the sun isn't entirely to blame, experts say
There were significantly more X-class solar flares in 2024 than any other year for at least three decades. The arrival of solar maximum was a key reason for the spike, but other factors were also at play.
'Like they were demon possessed': Geomagnetic super storms are causing tractors to dance from side to side across US farms — and the sun is to blame
Powerful solar storms in May and October painted auroras across large parts of North America. But some U.S. farmers also witnessed unusual activity from their high-tech machinery, which started boogying back and forth as a result of the geomagnetic disturbances.
We are fast approaching the sun's 'battle zone' — and it could be even worse than solar maximum, experts warn
Space weather experts warn that solar activity will persist or even increase after solar maximum has ended and we enter a phase of the solar cycle dubbed the "battle zone."
Thanksgiving auroras? Solar storm likely to hit Earth on Thursday and Friday, NOAA warns
An outburst of solar energy looks primed to hit Earth on Thursday, potentially bringing auroras to the northern U.S. on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Solar maximum just knocked 3 satellites out of orbit. Here's why more may be on the way.
The Sun's activity is what gives us beautiful auroras — but it also has dramatic negative effects on satellites that go around Earth in a low orbit.
Aurora activity is just getting started. Here's why the best northern lights are yet to come.
Discover why the best aurora displays occur after solar maximum, and why 2026-2027 could be the year of the northern lights.
Scientists finally confirm that solar maximum is well underway — and the worst could still be to come
A surprise announcement from scientists involved in monitoring the solar cycle has finally confirmed that the sun's most active and dangerous phase — solar maximum — is already well underway, and could continue for at least a year.
'Severe' solar storm that hit Earth Thursday could be 'global phenomenon' with auroras as far south as California
A powerful solar outburst hit Earth Thursday, triggering a "severe" geomagnetic storm. Auroras could be visible as far south as California and Alabama, NOAA predicts.
X9 solar flare launched from sun is the biggest in 7 years — and Earth is in the firing line (again)
The sun has unleashed the most powerful solar flare since 2017, just days after it spat out another monster explosion. Both outbursts have launched solar storms that will likely hit Earth this weekend and trigger vibrant aurora displays.
