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Science Quickly

Science Will Stare Directly Into the Sun--And Love It

Jan 29, 2025
Meghan Bartels, a senior news reporter at Scientific American and an expert in heliophysics and space weather, dives into the thrilling world of solar phenomena. She reveals how the sun's solar maximum is creating mesmerizing auroras and discusses NASA's upcoming missions set for 2025, aiming to unlock the secrets of the sun's poles and magnetic field. Bartels highlights the impacts of solar activity on Earth, emphasizing the need for advanced solar observation to safeguard our tech and enhance space exploration.
12:04

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Quick takeaways

  • The upcoming year 2025 will see critical advancements in heliophysics with new missions aiming to deepen our understanding of solar behavior and its effects on the solar system.
  • Understanding solar activity throughout the solar cycle is vital for predicting space weather impacts, which can disrupt technology and pose risks to human safety.

Deep dives

Understanding Heliophysics

Heliophysics encompasses the study of the sun and its effects on the solar system, including phenomena such as solar wind and the sun's magnetic field. These forces extend far beyond the outer reaches of the solar system, affecting various celestial bodies and even space weather. For instance, the solar wind is a magnetic plasma that influences the space environment around Earth and beyond, demonstrating the sun's far-reaching impact. The study of heliophysics is essential for comprehending how the sun's activity shapes space weather, which can have significant implications for technology and human activities on Earth.

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