Latest news with #CMEs
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
IIA team decodes reason behind May 2024 solar eruptions
Bengaluru Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have decoded the reasons behind the series of powerful solar eruptions or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) that resulted in rare northern lights dancing across the Ladakh's night skies in May 2024. These findings offer a major step forward in the improvement of space weather forecasting models, particularly in predicting the impact of complex CME events on Earth's magnetosphere. CMEs are massive ejections of magnetised plasma from the Sun's corona. When such solar blasts are directed toward the Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms capable of disrupting satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids. According to the Department of Science and Technology, the great geomagnetic storm that started on 10 May, 2024, was linked to a rare sequence of six different CMEs erupting in succession, and it was associated with both solar flares and filament eruptions from an interacting complex active region on the Sun. Until now, gaining a complete understanding of how CMEs evolve thermodynamically as they travel from the Sun to Earth has remained challenging, primarily due to limited observations near the Sun as well as in near-Earth space. To bridge this gap, a team of solar astrophysicists led by Wageesh Mishra, a faculty member at IIA, used observations from the NASA and ESA space missions. They built a model to investigate the manner in which the rare chain of six interacting solar blasts reported from IIA's Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle in Ladakh interacted with each other and evolved thermally en route from the Sun to Earth. 'The study is the first of its kind, both in India and internationally, to capture the continuous thermodynamic evolution of multiple interacting CMEs across such a vast distance in the heliosphere,' said Dr. Mishra. 'Our analysis demonstrates that CME-CME interactions lead to significant thermal restructuring within. By the time they reach the Earth, the electrons in the complex ejecta were found to be in the heat-releasing state, while ions displayed a mix of heating and cooling behaviour, with the heating state being the dominant mode overall,' said Soumyaranjan Khuntia, the lead author and a doctoral scholar at IIA.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
Auroras in Ladakh: Astronomers reveal how solar blast lit up Indian skies
In May 2024, the remote Himalayan skies over Ladakh were unexpectedly painted with a rare celestial display, northern lights, or auroras, typically only visible much closer to the over a year later, astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have unveiled the remarkable chain of events that triggered this rare spectacle: a record-breaking solar storm caused by six massive, interacting Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) erupting from the Sun in quick are enormous bubbles of magnetised plasma hurled from the Sun's outer atmosphere. When such solar eruptions are directed toward Earth, they can trigger intense geomagnetic storms, capable of disrupting satellites, communication systems, and even power grids. But the event of May 10, 2024, was unlike anything seen in the past two decades. 'This was a unique sequence of six interacting CMEs, associated with solar flares and filament eruptions, all originating from a hyperactive region on the Sun,' explained Dr. Wageesh Mishra, a faculty member at data from space-based observatories run by NASA and ESA, scientists at IIA's Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, developed advanced models to trace both the path and thermal behavior of these solar storms as they travelled across the solar study, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, provides the first continuous thermal profile of multiple interacting solar author and doctoral scholar Soumyaranjan Khuntia explained, 'Initially, the CMEs released heat, but as they travelled further, they began to absorb and retain heat, settling into a nearly constant temperature state—a surprising and complex behaviour.' Closer to Earth, instruments like NASA's Wind spacecraft detected another anomaly: the final solar cloud carried twin magnetic structures, or 'double flux ropes,' resembling twisted braids of magnetic fields. These interacted in unusual ways, giving rise to the captivating auroras seen in Ladakh.'This work lays the foundation for a new frontier in space weather forecasting,' added Anjali Agarwal, a co-author of the study. With India's Aditya-L1 solar mission now operational, the team hopes to further refine their models using close-range solar data and observations closer to to Dr. Mishra, 'India is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in heliophysics research, helping us prepare for and predict future space weather disturbances that can affect Earth's technology and daily life.'- EndsTrending Reel
News18
12-07-2025
- Science
- News18
NASA's Parker Probe Captures Closest-Ever Image Of The Sun
Last Updated: NASA's Parker Probe captured the first-ever images from inside a solar eruption, offering vital clues about space weather and its effects on Earth The Sun, Earth's most powerful energy source, has long been a subject of awe and concern due to its sheer scale and volatile nature. Now, NASA's Parker Solar Probe has delivered astonishing new images that provide a close-up look inside the Sun's atmosphere; images as mesmerising as they are menacing. Closest Flyby Reveals Intense Solar Activity On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest-ever approach to the Sun, reaching just 3.8 million miles from its surface. During this moment, the onboard WISPR camera (Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe) captured a live eruption of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This marks the first time scientists have directly recorded such a violent solar event from within, rather than simulating it through models. Deadly Solar Waves Observed First-Hand Within the CME, scientists observed Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities—swirling, wave-like patterns formed by the collision of solar flows. Once considered purely theoretical or seen only in simulations, these dangerous waveforms have now been witnessed in real solar conditions. Unprecedented Footage From Inside the Corona NASA released a video showing the Sun's corona from the probe's perspective. According to Angelos Vourlidas from Johns Hopkins University, USA, the footage shows CMEs colliding and merging, giving researchers insight into how space weather forms and evolves. NASA's Dr Nicky Fox added, 'We are finally seeing where Earth's space weather begins". Against All Odds: The Probe Survives Extreme Heat Despite temperatures above 1,300°C and intense radiation, the Parker Probe emerged undamaged. NASA engineers regard this survival as a historic feat in space engineering. What's Next For Parker? The probe's next flyby is set for September 15, 2025, where it will venture even closer to the Sun. Scientists are optimistic that this mission will help decode the origin of solar winds, which are critical in understanding and forecasting space weather. Why This Matters For Earth Space weather caused by CMEs can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, radio signals, and even power grids on Earth. These new findings will help scientists build better early-warning systems, protecting both astronauts and everyday technologies on Earth. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 14:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Closest- ever glimpse of the Sun: Nasa probe captures rare solar fury— watch
Closest- ever glimpse of the sun (Image: Youtube/ NASAGoddard) Nasa in a landmark development for space science has released never-seen-before close-range footage of the Sun's violent activity, recorded by its Parker Solar Probe . The images offer a rare, real-time look into one of the most powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever captured. Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe was designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere — the corona. On December 24, 2024, it made its closest-ever approach, flying just 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface, and captured highly detailed images of a CME using its onboard camera system, WISPR (wide-field imager for parker solar probe). The Closest Images Ever Taken of the Sun's Atmosphere The visuals revealed turbulent flows and swirling eddies inside the CME — the first direct visual proof of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, a fluid dynamic effect long suspected but never observed this close to the Sun. Since its launch, the Parker Probe has consistently broken its own records for closest distance to the Sun. The visuals mark the first time scientists have directly observed such detailed solar plasma behaviour from within the CME itself. 'We're watching CMEs pile up on each other,' said Angelos Vourlidas, scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, which built and operates the probe. 'This helps us learn how they merge and how that affects space weather.' Despite flying through intense heat and radiation, Nasa has confirmed that all systems of Parker Probe remained fully operational, showcasing the engineering marvel behind the mission. What Parker Probe revealed so far Experts believe the data could vastly enhance predictions for space weather, which affect not just satellites but also astronaut safety in space and global communication systems. "We are witnessing where space weather threats to Earth begin, with our eyes, not just with models," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator at Nasa. "This new data will also help us improve our technology for the safety of astronauts and our technology, both in space and on Earth." Its next flyby is scheduled for September 15, 2025, with scientists hoping to unlock further secrets about how solar outflows originate and evolve.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Map Reveals Blackout Over US States After 'Extreme' Solar Flare
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Large parts of the United States faced a radio blackout on Thursday following a strong solar flare from the sun. The "extreme ultraviolet flash" was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. The solar flare, categorized as X-class in scale—the highest scale, was triggered by an active region of a sunspot on June 19 at 11:50 p.m. UTC. Radiation from the X1.9 blast caused a shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean, leading to a loss of signal at frequencies below 25 Megahertz (MHz). Amateur radio operators, especially in Hawaii, may have noticed the signal loss. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation from the sun. The most powerful explosions in the solar system, they can can contain as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs, according to NASA. Solar flares are classified according to their intensity, with X being the highest on the scale. X-class solar flares can cause planet-wide radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms. A map showing the areas affected by the solar flare, including large parts of the United States. Inset, an image of the solar flare. A map showing the areas affected by the solar flare, including large parts of the United States. Inset, an image of the solar flare. NOAA/SWPC/NASA The latest solar flare follows an M-class one, the second-highest on the scale, that occurred days earlier on June 15. It caused a shortwave radio blackout across North America, with a loss of signal seen at frequencies below 20 Megahertz (MHz). Unlike the M8.3 solar flare on Sunday, the solar flare on Thursday did not launch a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)—a massive burst of plasma and magnetic field lines—into space. However, the explosion has apparently destabilized a magnetic filament in the sun's southern hemisphere. This massive filament, which is erupting now, may produce a CME, which could lead to geomagnetic storms. A solar flare erupting on June 19, causing the radio blackout. A solar flare erupting on June 19, causing the radio blackout. NASA / Solar Dynamics Observatory "When a CME arrives at Earth, it can produce some of the biggest geomagnetic storms and thus, some of the brightest and most active auroras that extend furthest toward the equator," explained NOAA. Geomagnetic storms caused by CMEs can lead to aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The northern lights are formed from electrons colliding with the upper reaches of Earth's atmosphere. During these collisions, "the electrons transfer their energy to the atmosphere thus exciting the atoms and molecules to higher energy states" and "when they relax back down to lower energy states, they release their energy in the form of light," explains the Space Weather Prediction Center. Stronger solar cycles produce more solar storms with greater intensity, which drives geomagnetic activity. "If the geomagnetic field is active, then the aurora will be brighter and further from the poles," where the northern lights are typically most visible, says the Space Weather Prediction Center. This means that the aurora borealis may be viewed from lower latitudes than usual. Last year, strong solar activity allowed northern lights enthusiasts to catch a rare viewing of the natural display in parts of the world where they're normally not seen, such as in Japan. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about space? Let us know via science@
