Space Weather Today

Like weather on Earth, space weather is constantly changing. On Earth you can simply look out the window to see if it is sunny or raining. Scientists use a host of telescopes, magnetometers, radiation sensors, and other instruments scattered around the globe and onboard a fleet of spacecraft to monitor, and sometimes even predict, space weather.

On 21 April, 2010, the Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the launch of a filament from the <a href="/sun/atmosphere/photosphere.html">surface of the Sun</a>. These are the most detailed images of the Sun ever taken. The images show light in the <a href="/physical_science/magnetism/em_ultraviolet.html">ultraviolet</a> part of the <a href="/physical_science/magnetism/em_spectrum.html">electromagnetic spectrum</a>. The Sun is now entering another period of <a href="/sun/solar_activity.html">solar activity</a> after several years of a relatively quiet Sun. Activity on the Sun varies on an <a href="/sun/activity/sunspot_cycle.html">cycle of about 11 years</a>.<p><small><em>Image courtesy of NASA/Solar Dynamics Observatory and AIA Consortium</em></small></p>

Explore Space Weather Today

What's happening on the Sun today?

Current and recent views of the Sun from observatories around the Earth and in space. Images ...Read more

Space Weather Forecast

Conditions in the Solar Wind and the Interplanetary Magnetic Field, measured by satellites ...Read more

What's happening in Near-Earth Space today?

Variations in space weather affect Earth's upper atmosphere (mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere). ...Read more

Is there an Aurora Today?

Northern Hemisphere Estimated Electrical Power - Northern & Southern Auroral Ovals The power ...Read more

Archive: old "Space Weather Today" section

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Historical Events

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Teacher Opportunities

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Did you know?

Did you know that solar activity follows an 11-year solar cycle?

Do you know the difference between a P-wave and an S-wave?

 

Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day

Do you know what this word or phrase means?

Eutrophication
xEutrophication : Accumulation of nutrients that supports dense growth of algae which decays and depletes the water of oxygen

Click on the word to find out!

Research Highlights

Mysterious Clouds Produced When Aircraft Inadvertently Cause Rain or Snow

As turboprop and jet aircraft climb or descend under certain atmospheric conditions, they can inadvertently "seed" mid-level clouds, causing narrow bands of snow or rain to develop and fall to...Read more


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