Space Weather
Solar Cycle 25 Is Fading. The Auroras Might Not Be Yet
Solar Cycle 25 hit its peak in October 2024, but the history of two previous cycles suggests the biggest flares — and the biggest light shows — can still be ahead in 2026.
Solar flare, CME or geomagnetic storm: which one hits Earth
Three space-weather words get used interchangeably and describe three different things. The sequence, not the synonym, explains what actually reaches the ground.
What Is the Kp Index? How to Read an Aurora Forecast
Kp is a three-hour magnetism index that aurora chasers borrowed. It tells you whether tonight is worth staying up for, and almost nothing about whether you will actually see the northern lights.
Can a Solar Flare Knock Out the Power Grid?
A solar flare mostly scrambles radio and GPS. The real grid threat is the coronal mass ejection behind it. Here is how a geomagnetic storm damages transformers.
Sun’s Strongest Flare in Weeks Could Push Aurora South Friday
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch for July 3 after the sun’s biggest flare of the week triggered radio blackouts across North America.