In yet another example of flexing of magnetic muscles, Sun released a long-duration solar flare on Monday (June 13) morning. In it, high-energy radiation was blasted into space for around three hours. It was a "medium" solar flare and has been registered as an M3.4. The incident was also captured on camera by two solar spacecrafts. The event was caught in multiple wavelengths by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). It has been studying the Sun from Earth's orbit since 2010. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/to-cut-boredom-nasas-perseverance-rover-finds-a-friend-on-mars-find-out-who-is-it-486770" hreflang="en">To cut boredom, NASA’s Perseverance rover finds a friend on Mars. Find out who is it</a>

The recent outburst was a strong one and may lead to temporary radio blackouts in the Asia-Pacific region on Earth. The flare was also linked with a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a big cloud of superheated plasma. CME is released from the Sun at high speed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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LONG-DURATION SOLAR FLARE: Growing sunspot AR3032 exploded on June 13th (0407 UT), producing an M3-class solar flare that lasted more than 3 hours. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the slow-motion blast: <a href="https://t.co/vsDvU8CyBe">pic.twitter.com/vsDvU8CyBe</a>
— Tex (@TexN9ne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexN9ne/status/1536318370018168832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The image of the recent CME explosion was also clicked by both SDO and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). It showed the immense size and great speed of the plasma cloud. SOHO is an NASA or European Space Agency probe, which was launched in 1995.

Watch:&nbsp;What are solar flares?

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On hitting Earth, big CMEs can result in powerful geomagnetic storms. But this time, the CME was not aligned with Earth, experts said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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In yet another example of flexing of magnetic muscles, Sun released a long-duration solar flare on Monday (June 13) morning. In it, high-energy radiation was blasted into space for around three hours.

In yet another example of flexing of magnetic muscles, Sun released a long-duration solar flare on Monday (June 13) morning. In it, high-energy radiation was blasted into space for around three hours. It was a "medium" solar flare and has been registered as an M3.4. The incident was also captured on camera by two solar spacecrafts. The event was caught in multiple wavelengths by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). It has been studying the Sun from Earth's orbit since 2010. Also Read: To cut boredom, NASA’s Perseverance rover finds a friend on Mars. Find out who is it The recent outburst was a strong one and may lead to temporary radio blackouts in the Asia-Pacific region on Earth. The flare was also linked with a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a big cloud of superheated plasma. CME is released from the Sun at high speed. LONG-DURATION SOLAR FLARE: Growing sunspot AR3032 exploded on June 13th (0407 UT), producing an M3-class solar flare that lasted more than 3 hours. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the slow-motion blast: pic.twitter.com/vsDvU8CyBe — Tex (@TexN9ne) June 13, 2022 × The image of the recent CME explosion was also clicked by both SDO and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). It showed the immense size and great speed of the plasma cloud. SOHO is an NASA or European Space Agency probe, which was launched in 1995. Watch: What are solar flares? On hitting Earth, big CMEs can result in powerful geomagnetic storms. But this time, the CME was not aligned with Earth, experts said. Watch WION's live TV here: (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Catch amazing glimpse! Sun releases long-duration solar flare called M3.4. Read details here

The Sun has been witnessing heightened activity. It has been constantly emitting several powerful solar flares. But, what are solar flares? Are they harmful for us? Let us find answers to these questions

What are solar flares?

In Pics | Unravel the mystery: What are solar flares?

On April 12, a gigantic plasma wave smashed into Mercury was launched by the Sun, the wave might have triggered a geomagnetic storm, Live Science reported. The process might also have scouring material from the planet's surface, the report added.&nbsp;

As per spaceweather.com, the wave that struck Mercury on April 12 happened after a powerful eruption was seen emanating from the Sun's far side a day before.&nbsp;

The report said that the storm may have created a temporary atmosphere and even added material to Mercury's comet-like tail.&nbsp;

It took the eruption, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), took less than a day to strike Mercury which is the closest planet to Sun, the report added.&nbsp;

As per the report, the plasma wave came from a sunspot. Experts have noted that the sunspots are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun and the reason behind it is they are cooler than other parts of the Sun's surface.&nbsp;

The Live Science report added that a sunspot is created by the flow of electric charges and gets knotted up before suddenly snapping and the energy from this process is released in the form of radiation bursts called solar flares or waves of plasma (CMEs).&nbsp;

In a statement, Hui Zhang, a co-author of both studies and a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute: "The processes are quite similar to here on Earth."&nbsp;

Zhang added that "the main differences are the size of the planet and Mercury has a weak magnetic field and virtually no atmosphere."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;10 things about China's recent space mission

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(With inputs from agencies)

On April 12, a gigantic plasma wave smashed into Mercury was launched by the Sun, the wave might have triggered a geomagnetic storm, Live Science reported. The process might also have scouring material from the planet's surface, the report added.

On April 12, a gigantic plasma wave smashed into Mercury was launched by the Sun, the wave might have triggered a geomagnetic storm, Live Science reported. The process might also have scouring material from the planet's surface, the report added. As per spaceweather.com, the wave that struck Mercury on April 12 happened after a powerful eruption was seen emanating from the Sun's far side a day before. The report said that the storm may have created a temporary atmosphere and even added material to Mercury's comet-like tail. It took the eruption, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), took less than a day to strike Mercury which is the closest planet to Sun, the report added. As per the report, the plasma wave came from a sunspot. Experts have noted that the sunspots are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun and the reason behind it is they are cooler than other parts of the Sun's surface. The Live Science report added that a sunspot is created by the flow of electric charges and gets knotted up before suddenly snapping and the energy from this process is released in the form of radiation bursts called solar flares or waves of plasma (CMEs). In a statement, Hui Zhang, a co-author of both studies and a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute: "The processes are quite similar to here on Earth." Zhang added that "the main differences are the size of the planet and Mercury has a weak magnetic field and virtually no atmosphere." WATCH | 10 things about China's recent space mission × (With inputs from agencies)

Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere?

At least 17 solar eruptions from a single sunspot are likely to reach the Earth on Thursday (March 31). This will cause geomagnetic storms.

These eruptions have originated from an overactive sunspot, called AR2975. This sunspot has been firing solar flares since March 28.

The stellar event may also cause some moderate sky storms on Earth, Space.com reported.

What are Sunspots?

Sunspots are eruptions on the sun that occur when magnetic lines twist and suddenly realign near the visible surface. At times, these explosions are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), or streams of charged particles that shoot into space. NASA's powerful Solar Dynamics Observatory captured stunning views of the solar eruptions, as did the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.

"The eruptions have hurled at least two, possibly three, CMEs toward Earth," wrote SpaceWeather.com of the event. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the website added, suggest the first CME will arrive on Thursday (March 31), with at least one other expected on Friday (April 1), the report said.

Modelling suggests that the particles may generate G2 or G3 (moderate) geomagnetic storms, although auroras (northern lights and southern lights) are notoriously hard to predict. While this possible storm is only moderate, NASA and other space agencies keep an eye on solar activity to improve solar weather predictions. A strong flare aimed toward Earth, along with a large CME, may induce problems such as damaging power lines or disabling satellites.

At least 17 solar eruptions from a single sunspot are likely to reach the Earth on Thursday (March 31). This will cause geomagnetic storms. These eruptions have originated from an overactive sunspot, called AR2975.

At least 17 solar eruptions from a single sunspot are likely to reach the Earth on Thursday (March 31). This will cause geomagnetic storms. These eruptions have originated from an overactive sunspot, called AR2975. This sunspot has been firing solar flares since March 28. The stellar event may also cause some moderate sky storms on Earth, Space.com reported. What are Sunspots? Sunspots are eruptions on the sun that occur when magnetic lines twist and suddenly realign near the visible surface. At times, these explosions are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), or streams of charged particles that shoot into space. NASA's powerful Solar Dynamics Observatory captured stunning views of the solar eruptions, as did the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. "The eruptions have hurled at least two, possibly three, CMEs toward Earth," wrote SpaceWeather.com of the event. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the website added, suggest the first CME will arrive on Thursday (March 31), with at least one other expected on Friday (April 1), the report said. Modelling suggests that the particles may generate G2 or G3 (moderate) geomagnetic storms, although auroras (northern lights and southern lights) are notoriously hard to predict. While this possible storm is only moderate, NASA and other space agencies keep an eye on solar activity to improve solar weather predictions. A strong flare aimed toward Earth, along with a large CME, may induce problems such as damaging power lines or disabling satellites.

Geomagnetic storm: Sun has erupted with 17 flares, may hit Earth today

The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail.

Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-solar-physics-mysterious-vortex-waves-discovered-on-the-sun-travelling-faster-than-expected-465470" hreflang="en">New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected</a>

Among the images, taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), is the highest resolution image ever taken of the Sun's full disc and outer atmosphere, the corona.

The Spectral Imaging of Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument captured the first image of a full Sun -- the first of its kind in more than 50 years. Lyman-beta wavelength ultraviolet radiation emitted by hydrogen gas was used to capture the image.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-confirms-a-celestial-milestone-5000-exoplanets-confirmed-so-far-464644" hreflang="en">NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far</a>

To capture the entirety of the Sun with the high-resolution telescope at EUI, a mosaic of 25 individual pictures would need to be taken at that close distance. Since each tile takes about 10 minutes, including the time required for the spacecraft to move from one segment to the next, the full image was acquired over a period of more than four hours.

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EUI imaged the Sun at a wavelength of 17 nanometers, in the extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ESA said this reveals the Sun's upper atmosphere, the corona, which reaches a temperature of around a million degrees Celsius.

Watch |&nbsp;A new frontier in space exploration

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In the SPICE images, purple represents hydrogen gas at 10,000 degrees Celsius, blue represents carbon at 32,000 degrees Celsius, green represents oxygen at 320,000 degrees Celsius, and yellow represents neon at 630,000 degrees Celsius.

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Image&nbsp;Credit: ESA &amp; NASA/Solar Orbiter

Using this, solar physicists will be able to track the eruptions that take place in the corona down into the lower atmospheric layers. Researchers will also be able to study one of the most puzzling observations about the Sun: how the temperature rises through ascending atmospheric layers.

Another milestone will be achieved by Solar Orbiter on March 26: its first close approach to perihelion. The spacecraft is now inside Mercury's orbit, where it is taking images of the Sun with the highest resolution possible. Furthermore, it is monitoring solar wind particles that flow outwards from the Sun.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail. Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail. Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement. Also read | New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected Among the images, taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), is the highest resolution image ever taken of the Sun's full disc and outer atmosphere, the corona. The Spectral Imaging of Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument captured the first image of a full Sun -- the first of its kind in more than 50 years. Lyman-beta wavelength ultraviolet radiation emitted by hydrogen gas was used to capture the image. Also read | NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far To capture the entirety of the Sun with the high-resolution telescope at EUI, a mosaic of 25 individual pictures would need to be taken at that close distance. Since each tile takes about 10 minutes, including the time required for the spacecraft to move from one segment to the next, the full image was acquired over a period of more than four hours. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × EUI imaged the Sun at a wavelength of 17 nanometers, in the extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ESA said this reveals the Sun's upper atmosphere, the corona, which reaches a temperature of around a million degrees Celsius. Watch | A new frontier in space exploration In the SPICE images, purple represents hydrogen gas at 10,000 degrees Celsius, blue represents carbon at 32,000 degrees Celsius, green represents oxygen at 320,000 degrees Celsius, and yellow represents neon at 630,000 degrees Celsius. Image Credit: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter Using this, solar physicists will be able to track the eruptions that take place in the corona down into the lower atmospheric layers. Researchers will also be able to study one of the most puzzling observations about the Sun: how the temperature rises through ascending atmospheric layers. Another milestone will be achieved by Solar Orbiter on March 26: its first close approach to perihelion. The spacecraft is now inside Mercury's orbit, where it is taking images of the Sun with the highest resolution possible. Furthermore, it is monitoring solar wind particles that flow outwards from the Sun. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA-ESA solar orbiter clicks the most detailed pictures of the Sun. Take a look!

Physicists believe that the discovery of mysterious vortex waves suggests that there is new solar physics to be uncovered.&nbsp;

They have said that these new set of waves in the Sun, unexpectedly, appear to travel much faster than predicted by theory.

The research, published in Nature Astronomy, details how scientists from NYU Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Centre for Space Science analysed 25 years of space and ground-based data to detect these waves.&nbsp;

The high-frequency retrograde (HFR) waves, which move in the opposite direction of the Sun’s rotation, appear as a pattern of vortices (swirling motions) on the surface of the Sun and move at three times the speed established by current theory.&nbsp;

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The interior of the Sun and stars cannot be imaged by conventional astronomy, for example, optical and x-ray, and scientists rely on interpreting the surface signatures of a variety of waves to image the interiors. These new HFR waves may yet be an important puzzle piece in our understanding of stars.

Complex interactions between other well-known waves and magnetism, gravity, or convection could drive the HFR waves at this speed.&nbsp;

"If the high-frequency retrograde waves could be attributed to any of these three processes, then the finding would have answered some open questions we still have about the Sun," says lead author Chris Hanson.

"However, these new waves don't appear to be a result of these processes, and that's exciting because it leads to a whole new set of questions."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-space-business-has-become-the-final-profitable-frontier-452928" hreflang="en">Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?</a>

By studying the Sun’s interior dynamics,&nbsp;through the use of waves,&nbsp;scientists can better appreciate the Sun's potential impact on the Earth and other planets in our solar system.

“The very existence of HFR modes and their origin is a true mystery and may allude to exciting physics at play,” said Shravan Hanasoge, a co-author of the paper.&nbsp;

“It has the potential to shed insight on the otherwise unobservable interior of the Sun.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Physicists believe that the discovery of mysterious vortex waves suggests that there is new solar physics to be uncovered. They have said that these new set of waves in the Sun, unexpectedly, appear to travel much faster than predicted by theory.

Physicists believe that the discovery of mysterious vortex waves suggests that there is new solar physics to be uncovered. They have said that these new set of waves in the Sun, unexpectedly, appear to travel much faster than predicted by theory. The research, published in Nature Astronomy, details how scientists from NYU Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Centre for Space Science analysed 25 years of space and ground-based data to detect these waves. The high-frequency retrograde (HFR) waves, which move in the opposite direction of the Sun’s rotation, appear as a pattern of vortices (swirling motions) on the surface of the Sun and move at three times the speed established by current theory. The interior of the Sun and stars cannot be imaged by conventional astronomy, for example, optical and x-ray, and scientists rely on interpreting the surface signatures of a variety of waves to image the interiors. These new HFR waves may yet be an important puzzle piece in our understanding of stars. Complex interactions between other well-known waves and magnetism, gravity, or convection could drive the HFR waves at this speed. "If the high-frequency retrograde waves could be attributed to any of these three processes, then the finding would have answered some open questions we still have about the Sun," says lead author Chris Hanson. "However, these new waves don't appear to be a result of these processes, and that's exciting because it leads to a whole new set of questions." Also read | Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier? By studying the Sun’s interior dynamics, through the use of waves, scientists can better appreciate the Sun's potential impact on the Earth and other planets in our solar system. “The very existence of HFR modes and their origin is a true mystery and may allude to exciting physics at play,” said Shravan Hanasoge, a co-author of the paper. “It has the potential to shed insight on the otherwise unobservable interior of the Sun.” (With inputs from agencies)

New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected

A new model of artificial intelligence has shown hidden turbulence in the atmosphere of the Sun.

The research, published in Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics, shows multi-scale deep learning for estimating horizontal velocity fields on the solar surface.

The sun,&nbsp;essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium,&nbsp;is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan.&nbsp;

Its diametre is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius).

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-space-business-has-become-the-final-profitable-frontier-452928" hreflang="en">Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?</a>

"We developed a novel convolutional neural network to estimate the spatial distribution of horizontal velocity by using the spatial distributions of temperature and vertical velocity," wrote a team of researchers led by astronomer Ryohtaroh Ishikawa of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

"This led to efficient detection of spatially spread features and concentrated features. [..] Our network exhibited a higher performance on almost all the spatial scales when compared to those reported in previous studies."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-map-1-million-space-objects-that-have-never-been-spotted-before-456863" hreflang="en">Astronomers map 1 million space objects that have never been spotted before</a>

Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere - and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts.

"By comparing the results of the three convection models, we observed that the rapid decrease in coherence spectrum occurred on the scales that were lower than the energy injection scales, which were characterized by the peaks of the power spectra of the vertical velocities. This implies that the network was not appropriately trained to reproduce the velocity fields in small scales generated by turbulent cascades," they wrote in their paper.

"These challenges can be explored in future studies."

The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity. These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. These records indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new model of artificial intelligence has shown hidden turbulence in the atmosphere of the Sun. The research, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, shows multi-scale deep learning for estimating horizontal velocity fields on the solar surface.

A new model of artificial intelligence has shown hidden turbulence in the atmosphere of the Sun. The research, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, shows multi-scale deep learning for estimating horizontal velocity fields on the solar surface. The sun, essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium, is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diametre is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius). Also see | Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier? "We developed a novel convolutional neural network to estimate the spatial distribution of horizontal velocity by using the spatial distributions of temperature and vertical velocity," wrote a team of researchers led by astronomer Ryohtaroh Ishikawa of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. "This led to efficient detection of spatially spread features and concentrated features. [..] Our network exhibited a higher performance on almost all the spatial scales when compared to those reported in previous studies." Also read | Astronomers map 1 million space objects that have never been spotted before Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere - and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts. "By comparing the results of the three convection models, we observed that the rapid decrease in coherence spectrum occurred on the scales that were lower than the energy injection scales, which were characterized by the peaks of the power spectra of the vertical velocities. This implies that the network was not appropriately trained to reproduce the velocity fields in small scales generated by turbulent cascades," they wrote in their paper. "These challenges can be explored in future studies." The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity. These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. These records indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now. (With inputs from agencies)

New artificial intelligence model shows hidden turbulence in Sun's atmosphere

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion.

As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion.

If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy.

"The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC.

Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun.

Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion. As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion. If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy. "The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC. Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun. Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists report major breakthrough creating nuclear fusion energy

An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST). The powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which are called solar flares, could last from minutes to hours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a>

The NASA, which has classified this flare as an M5.5 class one, has said that it has an X-ray flare of moderate severity.&nbsp;

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The Sun emitted a significant solar flare early this morning, peaking at 1:01 a.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as M5.5.<a href="https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3">https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3</a> <a href="https://t.co/zK9mADK47H">pic.twitter.com/zK9mADK47H</a>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1484265821950156804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“The Sun emitted a mid-level solar flare on January 20, 2022, peaking at 1:01 am EST," the US space agency said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/planet-killer-asteroid-passes-near-earth-track-it-live-here-445708" hreflang="en">Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here</a>

Although the harmful radiation of a flare can't pass through Earth's atmosphere to affect life on the planet, it can impact electric power grids, navigation signals, radio communications, when it is highly intense. It also poses risk to spacecraft and astronauts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On website, Space Weather Prediction Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, “Solar flares usually take place in active regions, which are areas on the Sun marked by the presence of strong magnetic fields; typically associated with sunspot groups. As these magnetic fields evolve, they can reach a point of instability and release energy in a variety of forms. These include electromagnetic radiation, which are observed as solar flares.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST).

An image of the Sun emitting a mid-level solar flare has been taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday. It had peaked at 1.01 am EST (11.31am IST). The powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which are called solar flares, could last from minutes to hours. Also Read: Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why The NASA, which has classified this flare as an M5.5 class one, has said that it has an X-ray flare of moderate severity. The Sun emitted a significant solar flare early this morning, peaking at 1:01 a.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as M5.5.https://t.co/9RsMR5suI3 pic.twitter.com/zK9mADK47H — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) January 20, 2022 × “The Sun emitted a mid-level solar flare on January 20, 2022, peaking at 1:01 am EST," the US space agency said. Also Read: Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here Although the harmful radiation of a flare can't pass through Earth's atmosphere to affect life on the planet, it can impact electric power grids, navigation signals, radio communications, when it is highly intense. It also poses risk to spacecraft and astronauts. On website, Space Weather Prediction Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, “Solar flares usually take place in active regions, which are areas on the Sun marked by the presence of strong magnetic fields; typically associated with sunspot groups. As these magnetic fields evolve, they can reach a point of instability and release energy in a variety of forms. These include electromagnetic radiation, which are observed as solar flares.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us?

How do we tackle global warming? Some say we could cool the earth by dimming the sun's rays. Scientists say any such experiment will take a toll on Africa, Asia. Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Group of scientists oppose dimming the sun's rays

For the first time in human history, a spacecraft has made contact with the sun. NASA's Parker Solar Probe flew into the sun's atmosphere. Palki Sharma tells you how the probe is unlocking the secrets of the sun.

Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun

Astronomers have issued a dire warning about the Sun and cautioned about its instability.

It comes after the eruption of the 'Dragon' star or EK Draconis, a G1.5V yellow dwarf located 110.71 light-years away from the Earth.

Scientists have highlighted that solar flares lead to mass ejections that directly affect the Earth’s environment.

''This kind of big mass ejection could, theoretically, also occur on our sun. This observation may help us to better understand how similar events may have affected Earth and even Mars over billions of years,'' said co-author Yuta Notsu from Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-other-corona-know-about-the-suns-atmosphere-touched-by-a-man-made-probe-for-the-first-time-437155" hreflang="en">The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time</a>

The study published in the Nature journal shows that M-type red dwarf stars are not as stable as previously thought.

However, the sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena.

Researchers said on Thursday that an examination of 369 stars similar to the sun in surface temperatures, size, and rotation period,&nbsp;it takes the sun about 24-1/2 days to rotate once on its axis,&nbsp;showed that they displayed on average five times more brightness variability than the sun.

“This variability is caused by dark spots on the surface of the star rotating in and out of view,” said astronomer Timo Reinhold of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-trouble-making-nemesis-twin-of-the-sun-435917">Also read |&nbsp;Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun</a>

The sun,&nbsp;essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium, is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius).

“Temperature and rotation period are thought to be the major ingredients for the dynamo inside the star, which generates its magnetic field, and eventually the number and size of the spots causing the brightness to vary. Finding such stars with very similar parameters as our sun but being five times more variable was surprising,” Reinhold said.

Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections,&nbsp;large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere,&nbsp;and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts.

“A much more active sun might have also affected Earth on geological time scales,&nbsp;paleoclimatology. A ‘too active’ star would definitively change the conditions for life on the planet, so living with a quite boring star is not the worst option,” Reinhold said.

The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity.

These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. They&nbsp;indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now.

The findings, Reinhold said, do not rule out that the sun may be in a quiet phase and may become more variable in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have issued a dire warning about the Sun and cautioned about its instability. It comes after the eruption of the 'Dragon' star or EK Draconis, a G1.5V yellow dwarf located 110.

Astronomers have issued a dire warning about the Sun and cautioned about its instability. It comes after the eruption of the 'Dragon' star or EK Draconis, a G1.5V yellow dwarf located 110.71 light-years away from the Earth. Scientists have highlighted that solar flares lead to mass ejections that directly affect the Earth’s environment. ''This kind of big mass ejection could, theoretically, also occur on our sun. This observation may help us to better understand how similar events may have affected Earth and even Mars over billions of years,'' said co-author Yuta Notsu from Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). Also read | The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time The study published in the Nature journal shows that M-type red dwarf stars are not as stable as previously thought. However, the sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena. Researchers said on Thursday that an examination of 369 stars similar to the sun in surface temperatures, size, and rotation period, it takes the sun about 24-1/2 days to rotate once on its axis, showed that they displayed on average five times more brightness variability than the sun. “This variability is caused by dark spots on the surface of the star rotating in and out of view,” said astronomer Timo Reinhold of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany. Also read | Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun The sun, essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium, is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius). “Temperature and rotation period are thought to be the major ingredients for the dynamo inside the star, which generates its magnetic field, and eventually the number and size of the spots causing the brightness to vary. Finding such stars with very similar parameters as our sun but being five times more variable was surprising,” Reinhold said. Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections, large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere, and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts. “A much more active sun might have also affected Earth on geological time scales, paleoclimatology. A ‘too active’ star would definitively change the conditions for life on the planet, so living with a quite boring star is not the worst option,” Reinhold said. The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity. These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. They indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now. The findings, Reinhold said, do not rule out that the sun may be in a quiet phase and may become more variable in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists issue dire warning about Sun's instability after eruption of 'Dragon' star

A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere.

Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday.

During the Parker Solar Probe's seventh close encounter to the sun in April, the spacecraft sailed through the corona.

The data took a few months to arrive, and then several more months to confirm, according to the scientists.&nbsp;

When Parker first crossed the jagged, uneven boundary between the solar atmosphere and outgoing solar wind, it was 8 million miles (13 million kilometres) from the sun's centre.

According to scientists, the spacecraft dipped in and out of the corona at least three times, each time with a smooth transition.&nbsp;

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"The Parker Solar Probe "touching the Sun" is a monumental moment for solar science and a truly remarkable feat," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA Headquarters in Washington.

"Not only does this milestone provide us with deeper insights into our Sun's evolution and it's impacts on our solar system, but everything we learn about our own star also teaches us more about stars in the rest of the universe." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/want-to-space-travel-nasa-awards-4156-million-for-new-space-hubs-where-people-can-visit-live-work-433693">Also read | Want to space travel? NASA awards $415.6 million for new space hubs where people can visit, live, work</a>

According to the statement issued by the NASA, Parker is finding new discoveries that other spacecraft couldn't observe because they were too far away, including from within the solar wind, which is the flow of particles from the Sun that can affect us on Earth.

Parker revealed in 2019 that magnetic zig-zag formations in the solar wind, known as switchbacks, are abundant near the Sun.

However, it remained a mystery as to how and where they formed.

Parker Solar Probe has now travelled close enough to identify one spot where they originate: the solar surface, after halving the distance to the Sun since then.

The first flyby into the corona – and the promise of many to come – will continue to deliver information on processes that are difficult to examine from afar.&nbsp;

Until its grand finale orbit in 2025, Parker will continue to get closer to the sun and dive deeper into the corona.

The American Physical Society also published the latest findings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere. Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday.

A NASA spacecraft has officially "touched" the sun, falling through the corona, an unknown region of the solar atmosphere. Scientists made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union on Tuesday. During the Parker Solar Probe's seventh close encounter to the sun in April, the spacecraft sailed through the corona. The data took a few months to arrive, and then several more months to confirm, according to the scientists. When Parker first crossed the jagged, uneven boundary between the solar atmosphere and outgoing solar wind, it was 8 million miles (13 million kilometres) from the sun's centre. According to scientists, the spacecraft dipped in and out of the corona at least three times, each time with a smooth transition. × "The Parker Solar Probe "touching the Sun" is a monumental moment for solar science and a truly remarkable feat," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Not only does this milestone provide us with deeper insights into our Sun's evolution and it's impacts on our solar system, but everything we learn about our own star also teaches us more about stars in the rest of the universe." Also read | Want to space travel? NASA awards $415.6 million for new space hubs where people can visit, live, work According to the statement issued by the NASA, Parker is finding new discoveries that other spacecraft couldn't observe because they were too far away, including from within the solar wind, which is the flow of particles from the Sun that can affect us on Earth. Parker revealed in 2019 that magnetic zig-zag formations in the solar wind, known as switchbacks, are abundant near the Sun. However, it remained a mystery as to how and where they formed. Parker Solar Probe has now travelled close enough to identify one spot where they originate: the solar surface, after halving the distance to the Sun since then. The first flyby into the corona – and the promise of many to come – will continue to deliver information on processes that are difficult to examine from afar. Until its grand finale orbit in 2025, Parker will continue to get closer to the sun and dive deeper into the corona. The American Physical Society also published the latest findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | NASA makes history as spacecraft ‘touches’ sun for first time ever

A group of women from Maryland, US, have challenged a ban on topless sunbathing. The petitioners are asking the Supreme Court to review a law that allows men to show skin but bans women from doing the same.

As per the petitioners, the court is so preoccupied with “protecting traditional moral sensibilities” that it permits “discrimination against all women.”&nbsp;

In 2017, Ocean City had passed a law banning women from exposing their skin at the beach after one of their plaintiffs, Chelsea Eline, complained to local authorities that she had a right to go topless.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Associated Press, Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, also one of the panel members said that Ocean City is within their rights to impose such a ban to protect “public sensibilities."

The court had also denied a request to rehear the case.

Chief judge Roger Gregory said that the court should reconsider its decision. Gregory wrote, "At first glance, Ocean City’s ordinance seems innocuous enough … But we must take care not to let our analysis be confined by the limits of our social lens. Suppose the ordinance defined nudity to include public exposure of a woman’s hair, neck, shoulders, or ankles. Would that law not run afoul of the Equal Protection Clause?"

The petition was filed on December 1 and the court can respond till January 7.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of women from Maryland, US, have challenged a ban on topless sunbathing. The petitioners are asking the Supreme Court to review a law that allows men to show skin but bans women from doing the same.

A group of women from Maryland, US, have challenged a ban on topless sunbathing. The petitioners are asking the Supreme Court to review a law that allows men to show skin but bans women from doing the same. As per the petitioners, the court is so preoccupied with “protecting traditional moral sensibilities” that it permits “discrimination against all women.” In 2017, Ocean City had passed a law banning women from exposing their skin at the beach after one of their plaintiffs, Chelsea Eline, complained to local authorities that she had a right to go topless. According to a report by The Associated Press, Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, also one of the panel members said that Ocean City is within their rights to impose such a ban to protect “public sensibilities." The court had also denied a request to rehear the case. Chief judge Roger Gregory said that the court should reconsider its decision. Gregory wrote, "At first glance, Ocean City’s ordinance seems innocuous enough … But we must take care not to let our analysis be confined by the limits of our social lens. Suppose the ordinance defined nudity to include public exposure of a woman’s hair, neck, shoulders, or ankles. Would that law not run afoul of the Equal Protection Clause?" The petition was filed on December 1 and the court can respond till January 7. (With inputs from agencies)

US women urge Supreme Court to repeal topless sunbathing ban as it permits discrimination

While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace. This had made approaching the Sun a giant problem because human spacecraft made of any known material was feared to promptly melt , making the mission &nbsp;useless. But NASA's Parker Solar Probe has opened a new frontier for science by entering Corona, the atmosphere of the Sun.

What is Corona?

Corona is the solar atmosphere. It is an envelope around the Sun in which the material given off by the Sun is more bound to the Sun. Outside the Corona, the solar material is sent in space in the form of Solar wind at high speeds. Scientists do not yet fully know the reason behind this disparity fully.

Why do we study solar atmosphere?

As much as it supports life on Earth, Sun in unforgiving to anything that is in its vicinity without proper protection. Solar material is constantly ejected from the Sun at extremely high speeds. This is called Solar Wind. It is capable of making million-dollar satellites a piece of junk. Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shields all life on the surface but same isn't always true about satellites revolving around Earth.

We do not fully know why solar wind is sent out at very high speeds from Sun. It originates from Sun's atmosphere (the Corona). Understanding solar atmosphere may make us protect our spacecrafts and satellites better. 
When was Parker solar probe launched?

NASA launched Parker solar probe in August 2018. The probe went around the Sun several times, the orbit reducing each time. The end goal was to enter the corona. During its 8th revolution around the Sun in April 2021, Parker solar probe entered the Corona

What did Parker solar probe find inside solar atmosphere?

<img alt="Corona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c43dffa1-7b43-4b93-a208-4f64e650f4e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/corona.PNG" />

(Solar particles inside corona (left) are more bound to the Sun. Outside Corona they are ejected as Solar Wind. Image: NASA)

The instruments of the probe found that as the craft entered Corona, there was marked difference in the extent to which solar material was projected out in space. Outside Corona, the material was more readily sent out. But inside it was more bound to the Sun. At this time, the probe was 8 million kms away from solar surface.

As the probe entered corona, it also found that magnetic field of the Sun grew much stronger.

What now?

Parker probe's achievements has been nothing short of a 'dream come true' in words of NASA scientists quoted by the agency in its reports. Mankind had dreamed of knowing more about the Sun for millennia at least. NASA publicly declared its ambition of sending a probe to the Sun in the 50s. Parker solar probe's achievement has been a result of decades of patient research and resolute, steady scientific progress towards the goal. Something that was unimaginable has been achieved.

Who knows? We may even develop technology that will allow us to venture even closer to our very own star.

While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace.

While the actual surface of the Sun will burn (evaporate actually) anything to a crisp with its thousands of degrees temperature, even a few million miles from the surface are way hotter than the hottest furnace. This had made approaching the Sun a giant problem because human spacecraft made of any known material was feared to promptly melt , making the mission useless. But NASA's Parker Solar Probe has opened a new frontier for science by entering Corona, the atmosphere of the Sun. What is Corona? Corona is the solar atmosphere. It is an envelope around the Sun in which the material given off by the Sun is more bound to the Sun. Outside the Corona, the solar material is sent in space in the form of Solar wind at high speeds. Scientists do not yet fully know the reason behind this disparity fully. Why do we study solar atmosphere? As much as it supports life on Earth, Sun in unforgiving to anything that is in its vicinity without proper protection. Solar material is constantly ejected from the Sun at extremely high speeds. This is called Solar Wind. It is capable of making million-dollar satellites a piece of junk. Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shields all life on the surface but same isn't always true about satellites revolving around Earth. We do not fully know why solar wind is sent out at very high speeds from Sun. It originates from Sun's atmosphere (the Corona). Understanding solar atmosphere may make us protect our spacecrafts and satellites better. When was Parker solar probe launched? NASA launched Parker solar probe in August 2018. The probe went around the Sun several times, the orbit reducing each time. The end goal was to enter the corona. During its 8th revolution around the Sun in April 2021, Parker solar probe entered the Corona What did Parker solar probe find inside solar atmosphere? (Solar particles inside corona (left) are more bound to the Sun. Outside Corona they are ejected as Solar Wind. Image: NASA) The instruments of the probe found that as the craft entered Corona, there was marked difference in the extent to which solar material was projected out in space. Outside Corona, the material was more readily sent out. But inside it was more bound to the Sun. At this time, the probe was 8 million kms away from solar surface. As the probe entered corona, it also found that magnetic field of the Sun grew much stronger. What now? Parker probe's achievements has been nothing short of a 'dream come true' in words of NASA scientists quoted by the agency in its reports. Mankind had dreamed of knowing more about the Sun for millennia at least. NASA publicly declared its ambition of sending a probe to the Sun in the 50s. Parker solar probe's achievement has been a result of decades of patient research and resolute, steady scientific progress towards the goal. Something that was unimaginable has been achieved. Who knows? We may even develop technology that will allow us to venture even closer to our very own star.

The other Corona: Know about the Sun's atmosphere 'touched' by a man-made probe for the first time

According to scientists from the US space agency, a NASA spacecraft has gone closer to the sun than ever before, entering its atmosphere known as the corona.

NASA probe enters solar atmosphere for the first time

Scientists in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard University have discovered a ''nemesis'' of the Sun.

The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, provides evidence that all stars are born in pairs.

According to astronomer Steven Stahler, "We ran a series of statistical models to see if we could account for the relative populations of young single stars and binaries of all separations in the Perseus molecular cloud, and the only model that could reproduce the data was one in which all stars form initially as wide binaries."

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"Our work is a step forward in understanding both how binaries form and also the role that binaries play in early stellar evolution," he added.

Nemesis had kicked an asteroid into Earth’s orbit that collided with our planet and exterminated the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

The sun’s sibling most likely escaped and mixed with all the other stars in our region of the Milky Way galaxy, never to be seen again.

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The sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena.

An examination of 369 stars similar to the sun in surface temperatures, size, and rotation period,&nbsp;it takes the sun about 25&nbsp;days to rotate once on its axis, showed that they displayed on average five times more brightness variability than the sun.

Radio waves from a dense cocoon of dust that is located 600-light years ago were mapped out by researchers in a survey called the VLA nascent disk and multiplicity survey (VANDAM).

“The key here is that no one looked before in a systematic way at the relation of real young stars to the clouds that spawn them,” Stahler said.

“Our work is a step forward in understanding both how binaries form and also the role that binaries play in early stellar evolution. We now believe that most stars, which are quite similar to our own sun, form as binaries. I think we have the strongest evidence to date for such an assertion.”

The sun - essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium - is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius).

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Scientists in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard University have discovered a ''nemesis'' of the Sun. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, provides evidence that all stars are born in pairs.

Scientists in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at Harvard University have discovered a ''nemesis'' of the Sun. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, provides evidence that all stars are born in pairs. According to astronomer Steven Stahler, "We ran a series of statistical models to see if we could account for the relative populations of young single stars and binaries of all separations in the Perseus molecular cloud, and the only model that could reproduce the data was one in which all stars form initially as wide binaries." Also read | Inclusive outer space: First disabled crew takes flight in zero gravity "Our work is a step forward in understanding both how binaries form and also the role that binaries play in early stellar evolution," he added. Nemesis had kicked an asteroid into Earth’s orbit that collided with our planet and exterminated the dinosaurs. The sun’s sibling most likely escaped and mixed with all the other stars in our region of the Milky Way galaxy, never to be seen again. Also read | Roscosmos says International Space Station swerves to dodge fragment of US rocket The sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena. An examination of 369 stars similar to the sun in surface temperatures, size, and rotation period, it takes the sun about 25 days to rotate once on its axis, showed that they displayed on average five times more brightness variability than the sun. Radio waves from a dense cocoon of dust that is located 600-light years ago were mapped out by researchers in a survey called the VLA nascent disk and multiplicity survey (VANDAM). “The key here is that no one looked before in a systematic way at the relation of real young stars to the clouds that spawn them,” Stahler said. “Our work is a step forward in understanding both how binaries form and also the role that binaries play in early stellar evolution. We now believe that most stars, which are quite similar to our own sun, form as binaries. I think we have the strongest evidence to date for such an assertion.” The sun - essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium - is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius). (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers discover trouble-making 'nemesis' twin of the Sun

Sun is hot, really hot. The surface of the sun is burning at more than 5000 degrees Celsius. At the core, it is even hotter. But group of Indian astronomers have now found stars that are hotter than the Sun.

These stars, eight in all, belong to a rare class called 'MRPs' or Main-sequence Radio Pulse emitters. The Pune-based astronomers have discovered the stars by using Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located near Pune.

The group of scientists, led by astronomers from the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), discovered the rare class of radio stars that are hotter than the Sun with unusually strong magnetic fields and much stronger stellar wind, it said. In a press release, the NCRA said the team had also discovered three more such stars in the past using the GMRT. Thus, of the total 15 MRPs known so far, 11 were discovered with the GMRT, of which eight were discovered in 2021 alone, thanks to the wide bandwidth and high sensitivity of the upgraded GMRT, the release said. "These discoveries are the fruits of an ongoing survey with the GMRT, which was launched specifically for the purpose of solving the mystery of MRPs," it said.&nbsp;

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The success of the GMRT programme has revolutionised the notion about this class of stars, and has opened up a new window to study their exotic magnetospheres, the NCRA said.&nbsp;

The MRPs are stars hotter than the Sun with unusually strong magnetic fields, and much stronger stellar wind. Due to this, they emit bright radio pulses like a lighthouse, the research outfit said. Though the first MRP was discovered in 2000, it was only due to the high sensitivity of the upgraded GMRT (uGMRT) that the number of such stars known have increased multiple times in recent years, with 11 of the 15 discovered using the high-tech telescope, the NCRA said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-international-space-station-is-still-at-risk-from-debris-of-russian-weapons-test-430719">NASA says International Space Station is still at risk from debris of Russian weapons test</a>

The success of the survey with the uGMRT suggest that the current notion that MRPs are rare objects may not be correct. Rather, they are probably more common, but are difficult to detect, it said. This is due to the fact that the radio pulses are visible only at certain times, and the phenomenon is mostly observable at low radio frequencies, the release said.&nbsp;

"This is the frequency range where the uGMRT stands out as the most sensitive telescope in the world. The high sensitivity of the uGMRT and its ability to make high resolution images were instrumental in enabling the recovery of the pulsed signal from the different types of radiation coming from the sky.&nbsp;

"This, combined with a strategic observation campaign, allowed the astronomers to overcome the difficulties, and reveal the true nature of these objects," the release said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sun is hot, really hot. The surface of the sun is burning at more than 5000 degrees Celsius. At the core, it is even hotter. But group of Indian astronomers have now found stars that are hotter than the Sun.

Sun is hot, really hot. The surface of the sun is burning at more than 5000 degrees Celsius. At the core, it is even hotter. But group of Indian astronomers have now found stars that are hotter than the Sun. These stars, eight in all, belong to a rare class called 'MRPs' or Main-sequence Radio Pulse emitters. The Pune-based astronomers have discovered the stars by using Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located near Pune. The group of scientists, led by astronomers from the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), discovered the rare class of radio stars that are hotter than the Sun with unusually strong magnetic fields and much stronger stellar wind, it said. In a press release, the NCRA said the team had also discovered three more such stars in the past using the GMRT. Thus, of the total 15 MRPs known so far, 11 were discovered with the GMRT, of which eight were discovered in 2021 alone, thanks to the wide bandwidth and high sensitivity of the upgraded GMRT, the release said. "These discoveries are the fruits of an ongoing survey with the GMRT, which was launched specifically for the purpose of solving the mystery of MRPs," it said. Also Read | NASA shares Perseverance rover's breathtaking recording of Ingenuity flight on Mars The success of the GMRT programme has revolutionised the notion about this class of stars, and has opened up a new window to study their exotic magnetospheres, the NCRA said. The MRPs are stars hotter than the Sun with unusually strong magnetic fields, and much stronger stellar wind. Due to this, they emit bright radio pulses like a lighthouse, the research outfit said. Though the first MRP was discovered in 2000, it was only due to the high sensitivity of the upgraded GMRT (uGMRT) that the number of such stars known have increased multiple times in recent years, with 11 of the 15 discovered using the high-tech telescope, the NCRA said. Also Read | NASA says International Space Station is still at risk from debris of Russian weapons test The success of the survey with the uGMRT suggest that the current notion that MRPs are rare objects may not be correct. Rather, they are probably more common, but are difficult to detect, it said. This is due to the fact that the radio pulses are visible only at certain times, and the phenomenon is mostly observable at low radio frequencies, the release said. "This is the frequency range where the uGMRT stands out as the most sensitive telescope in the world. The high sensitivity of the uGMRT and its ability to make high resolution images were instrumental in enabling the recovery of the pulsed signal from the different types of radiation coming from the sky. "This, combined with a strategic observation campaign, allowed the astronomers to overcome the difficulties, and reveal the true nature of these objects," the release said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian astronomers discover stars hotter than Sun

Scientists have recreated the intense pressure conditions of Earth's outer core in a laboratory.

The study, conducted by researchers at the US Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, has been published in Physical Review Letters.

Earth's inner core is under pressure about 360 million times higher than we experience in our everyday lives and temperatures approximately as hot as the Sun's surface.

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According to the study's co-author Arianna Gleason, a scientist in the High-Energy-Density Science (HEDS) Division at SLAC, ''We didn't quite make inner core conditions.''

''But we achieved the conditions of the outer core of the planet, which is really remarkable.''

Earth’s magnetic field has been a life preserver, protecting against relentless solar winds, streams of charged particles rushing from the Sun, that otherwise could strip away the planet’s atmosphere and water.

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"As we continue to push it, the iron doesn't know what to do with this extra stress," says Gleason.&nbsp;

"And it needs to relieve that stress, so it tries to find the most efficient mechanism to do that."

The coping mechanism iron uses to deal with that extra stress is called "twinning."

“Twinning allows iron to be incredibly strong,&nbsp;stronger than we first thought, before it starts to flow plastically on much longer time scales,” Gleason said.

Some asteroids in our solar system are massive iron objects that scientists suspect are the remnants of planetary cores after catastrophic impacts.

The researchers recreated deep-Earth conditions to see how iron copes with extreme stress.&nbsp;

Scientists have recreated the intense pressure conditions of Earth's outer core in a laboratory. The study, conducted by researchers at the US Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, has been published in Physical Review Letters.

Scientists have recreated the intense pressure conditions of Earth's outer core in a laboratory. The study, conducted by researchers at the US Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, has been published in Physical Review Letters. Earth's inner core is under pressure about 360 million times higher than we experience in our everyday lives and temperatures approximately as hot as the Sun's surface. Also read | NASA's Mars rover probing undisturbed ancient time capsule on Red planet According to the study's co-author Arianna Gleason, a scientist in the High-Energy-Density Science (HEDS) Division at SLAC, ''We didn't quite make inner core conditions.'' ''But we achieved the conditions of the outer core of the planet, which is really remarkable.'' Earth’s magnetic field has been a life preserver, protecting against relentless solar winds, streams of charged particles rushing from the Sun, that otherwise could strip away the planet’s atmosphere and water. Also read | Astronomers offer hint on how Sun's death might unfold "As we continue to push it, the iron doesn't know what to do with this extra stress," says Gleason. "And it needs to relieve that stress, so it tries to find the most efficient mechanism to do that." The coping mechanism iron uses to deal with that extra stress is called "twinning." “Twinning allows iron to be incredibly strong, stronger than we first thought, before it starts to flow plastically on much longer time scales,” Gleason said. Some asteroids in our solar system are massive iron objects that scientists suspect are the remnants of planetary cores after catastrophic impacts. The researchers recreated deep-Earth conditions to see how iron copes with extreme stress.

Scientists recreate intense pressure conditions of Earth's outer core in laboratory

NASA's Hubble Telescope has unveiled new images that could offer a sneak preview of the demise of the Sun.

The sun,&nbsp;essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium,&nbsp;is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan.

Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-element-is-found-in-both-our-teeth-and-in-a-galaxy-which-is-12-billion-light-years-away-426901" hreflang="en">This element is found in both our teeth and in a galaxy which is 12 billion light years away</a>

Known as NGC 2438, the planetary nebula is the Sun-like stars. It is located roughly 1,370 light-years away from the Earth.

Planetary nebulae are massive gas clouds ejected from dying stars like that resemble the Sun.

During the end of its lifespan, the sun will run out of hydrogen to fuse in the core. This will make the Sun unstable and it will collapse into a white dwarf.

The sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena.

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“Temperature and rotation period are thought to be the major ingredients for the dynamo inside the star, which generates its magnetic field, and eventually the number and size of the spots causing the brightness to vary. Finding such stars with very similar parameters as our sun but being five times more variable was surprising,” Reinhold said.

Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere - and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts.

Solar monotony may be good news.

“A much more active sun might have also affected Earth on geological time scales - paleoclimatology. A ‘too active’ star would definitively change the conditions for life on the planet, so living with a quite boring star is not the worst option,” Reinhold said.

The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity. These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. These records indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now.

The findings, Reinhold said, do not rule out that the sun may be in a quiet phase and may become more variable in the future.

NASA's Hubble Telescope has unveiled new images that could offer a sneak preview of the demise of the Sun. The sun, essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium, is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.

NASA's Hubble Telescope has unveiled new images that could offer a sneak preview of the demise of the Sun. The sun, essentially a hot ball of hydrogen and helium, is an average-sized star that formed more than 4.5 billion years ago and is roughly halfway through its lifespan. Its diameter is about 864,000 miles (1.4 million km). Its surface temperature is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius). Also read | This element is found in both our teeth and in a galaxy which is 12 billion light years away Known as NGC 2438, the planetary nebula is the Sun-like stars. It is located roughly 1,370 light-years away from the Earth. Planetary nebulae are massive gas clouds ejected from dying stars like that resemble the Sun. During the end of its lifespan, the sun will run out of hydrogen to fuse in the core. This will make the Sun unstable and it will collapse into a white dwarf. The sun appears to be far less active than similar stars in terms of brightness variations caused by sunspots and other phenomena. Also read | Earth's 'planetary defence': NASA unveils spacecraft that targets asteroids “Temperature and rotation period are thought to be the major ingredients for the dynamo inside the star, which generates its magnetic field, and eventually the number and size of the spots causing the brightness to vary. Finding such stars with very similar parameters as our sun but being five times more variable was surprising,” Reinhold said. Elevated magnetic activity associated with sunspots can lead to solar flares, coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere - and other electromagnetic phenomena that can affect Earth, for example disrupting satellites and communications and endangering astronauts. Solar monotony may be good news. “A much more active sun might have also affected Earth on geological time scales - paleoclimatology. A ‘too active’ star would definitively change the conditions for life on the planet, so living with a quite boring star is not the worst option,” Reinhold said. The researchers compared data on similar stars to historical records of the sun’s activity. These records included about 400 years of observational data on sunspots and about 9,000 years of data based on chemical element variants in tree rings and ice cores caused by solar activity. These records indicated the sun has not been much more active than it is now. The findings, Reinhold said, do not rule out that the sun may be in a quiet phase and may become more variable in the future.

Astronomers offer hint on how Sun's death might unfold

An invisible layer protects our planet from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the Sun. It is crucial for the survival of life on Earth. World Ozone Day focuses on the importance of preserving this layer and understanding the risks faced by the shield. WION tells you the significance of the ozone layer.

World Ozone Day: Ozone layer critical for survival of life on Earth

Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet. There will be no escape.

But an ex-NASA scientist has come up with a whacky theory that is being talked about in amused tones.

The scientist wants to expand the radius of Earth's rotational path around the Sun. And he suggests making use of asteroids and 'stealing' energy from Jupiter!

David Holz, Ph.D. says that if his suggestions are actually implemented, Earth may remain habitable for 5 billion years more! This to become reality would need considerable technological advancement

Holz has explained his idea in his new academic paper and the paper has been published by NASA, University of California, and University of Michigan professors

The title of the paper is “Astronomical engineering: a strategy for modifying planetary orbits".

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He has also made a tweet about his idea.

"Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years." he says in his tweet

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Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years. <a href="https://t.co/lidW1ebaoD">pic.twitter.com/lidW1ebaoD</a>
— David Holz (@DavidSHolz) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidSHolz/status/1425003555442757632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is not Holz's first ambitious suggestion to solve a global problem. In February 2020, he proposed floating nation-sized solar panels high in air so that sun rays will be blocked and Earth's temperature can be adjusted manually.

Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet.

Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet. There will be no escape. But an ex-NASA scientist has come up with a whacky theory that is being talked about in amused tones. The scientist wants to expand the radius of Earth's rotational path around the Sun. And he suggests making use of asteroids and 'stealing' energy from Jupiter! David Holz, Ph.D. says that if his suggestions are actually implemented, Earth may remain habitable for 5 billion years more! This to become reality would need considerable technological advancement Holz has explained his idea in his new academic paper and the paper has been published by NASA, University of California, and University of Michigan professors The title of the paper is “Astronomical engineering: a strategy for modifying planetary orbits". Also Read | Washington Post columnist says Indian food is based on just 'one spice' He has also made a tweet about his idea. "Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years." he says in his tweet Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years. pic.twitter.com/lidW1ebaoD — David Holz (@DavidSHolz) August 10, 2021 × This is not Holz's first ambitious suggestion to solve a global problem. In February 2020, he proposed floating nation-sized solar panels high in air so that sun rays will be blocked and Earth's temperature can be adjusted manually.

Ex-NASA scientist's Earth-saving idea involves stealing energy from Jupiter

NASA researchers have revealed a nearby star which closely resembles the young Sun.&nbsp;

The new study aims to find out the details about the Sun and about the development of life on Earth.

"At 4.65 billion years old, our Sun is a middle-aged star," NASA said as curious scientists seek to find out how the Sun in its younger days supported life on Earth.

The author of the study, Vladimir Airapetian, senior astrophysicist in the Heliophysics Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland said he was trying to "reconstruct baby photos" of the Sun with the new star which has similar characteristics to the Sun.

NASA said the new stars emit&nbsp;stellar winds made of superhot gas known as plasma. The US space agency said the most energetic plasma can shoot off away from the outermost and hottest part of a star’s atmosphere in an eruption with steam rising towards nearby planets as stellar wind.

The space agency said younger stars generate hotter stellar winds leading to more "powerful plasma eruptions" than older stars which can affect the atmosphere of nearby planets impacting it&nbsp;at any stage.

NASA scientists said that the Sun in its youth rotated three times faster and had a stronger magnetic field&nbsp;also released more energy including radiation and particles. The particles are now sometimes visible near the planet’s poles as aurora, or the Northern and Southern Lights.&nbsp;

The scientists are seeking to uncover the mystery behind the Sun's youth although they agree it is a complicated process which will involve several years as new tools and ways of thinking need&nbsp;to be put in place to seek answers.

Scientists say the complicating factors in the study of the young Sun includes distance since it is still&nbsp;not possible to directly observe the stellar wind of other stars in the galaxy since it is too far away.

The study, therefore, relies on "scientific modelling" based on predictions on existing scientific data.&nbsp;

Previous studies have drawn on data gathered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to identify Kappa 1 Ceti as a young solar proxy, it said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

NASA researchers have revealed a nearby star which closely resembles the young Sun. The new study aims to find out the details about the Sun and about the development of life on Earth.

NASA researchers have revealed a nearby star which closely resembles the young Sun. The new study aims to find out the details about the Sun and about the development of life on Earth. "At 4.65 billion years old, our Sun is a middle-aged star," NASA said as curious scientists seek to find out how the Sun in its younger days supported life on Earth. The author of the study, Vladimir Airapetian, senior astrophysicist in the Heliophysics Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland said he was trying to "reconstruct baby photos" of the Sun with the new star which has similar characteristics to the Sun. NASA said the new stars emit stellar winds made of superhot gas known as plasma. The US space agency said the most energetic plasma can shoot off away from the outermost and hottest part of a star’s atmosphere in an eruption with steam rising towards nearby planets as stellar wind. The space agency said younger stars generate hotter stellar winds leading to more "powerful plasma eruptions" than older stars which can affect the atmosphere of nearby planets impacting it at any stage. NASA scientists said that the Sun in its youth rotated three times faster and had a stronger magnetic field also released more energy including radiation and particles. The particles are now sometimes visible near the planet’s poles as aurora, or the Northern and Southern Lights. The scientists are seeking to uncover the mystery behind the Sun's youth although they agree it is a complicated process which will involve several years as new tools and ways of thinking need to be put in place to seek answers. Scientists say the complicating factors in the study of the young Sun includes distance since it is still not possible to directly observe the stellar wind of other stars in the galaxy since it is too far away. The study, therefore, relies on "scientific modelling" based on predictions on existing scientific data. Previous studies have drawn on data gathered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to identify Kappa 1 Ceti as a young solar proxy, it said. (With inputs from Agencies)

NASA model: This is how the Sun looked like in its youth

The centre of our planetary system and the source of all energy on Earth, our gigantic Sun recently made its celestial presence felt with what is being called the biggest solar flare in four years. The flare in question erupted from a sunspot called “AR2838” on July 3, the Space Weather Prediction Centre said.

The explosion in AR2838 unleashed the strongest solar flare in four years, which is officially categorised as an X1.5-class explosion&nbsp;and marks the beginning of Sun’s new solar cycle.

The sunspot was situated near the Sun’s northwestern limb and is expected to shift to the far side of the Sun over the next few weeks. If the sunspot can stand its ground (pun intended), it may be visible to Earthlings again in the end of July.&nbsp;

The solar flare’s effects were felt on Earth including a shortwave radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. Solar flares are notorious for damaging equipment and disrupting electrical transmissions on Earth. And this flare was no different, for it produced a radio burst, a surge of electrical current, a deflection of local magnetic fields, and ionospheric disturbance.

Reports suggest that the flare led to the ionisation of the Earth’s atmosphere’s top-most layer, which in turn caused currents flowing in between 60-100 kilometres above Earth’s surface. As a result, the Earth’s polar magnetic field was altered.

What are solar flares?

A solar flare is a rapid and intense explosion on the Sun’s surface which happens in the aftermath of massive amounts of energy which is stored in magnetic fields being released suddenly.

As the explosion happens, radiation is released into the universe, directly affecting the planets in our solar system. These radiations comprise of radio waves, x-rays, and gamma rays.

NASA claims that the energy released by this explosion is equivalent to millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs going off at the same time. Even then, it constitutes just one-tenth of the Sun’s total energy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/orphan-cloud-bigger-than-milky-way-found-in-no-galaxys-land-by-scientists-395982" hreflang="en">'Orphan cloud' bigger than Milky Way found in 'no-galaxy's land' by scientists</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/sun-has-awoken-and-sent-solar-storms-earths-way-what-are-the-dangers-387312" hreflang="en">Sun has awoken and sent solar storms Earth's way. What are the dangers?</a>

The centre of our planetary system and the source of all energy on Earth, our gigantic Sun recently made its celestial presence felt with what is being called the biggest solar flare in four years.

The centre of our planetary system and the source of all energy on Earth, our gigantic Sun recently made its celestial presence felt with what is being called the biggest solar flare in four years. The flare in question erupted from a sunspot called “AR2838” on July 3, the Space Weather Prediction Centre said. The explosion in AR2838 unleashed the strongest solar flare in four years, which is officially categorised as an X1.5-class explosion and marks the beginning of Sun’s new solar cycle. The sunspot was situated near the Sun’s northwestern limb and is expected to shift to the far side of the Sun over the next few weeks. If the sunspot can stand its ground (pun intended), it may be visible to Earthlings again in the end of July. The solar flare’s effects were felt on Earth including a shortwave radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. Solar flares are notorious for damaging equipment and disrupting electrical transmissions on Earth. And this flare was no different, for it produced a radio burst, a surge of electrical current, a deflection of local magnetic fields, and ionospheric disturbance. Reports suggest that the flare led to the ionisation of the Earth’s atmosphere’s top-most layer, which in turn caused currents flowing in between 60-100 kilometres above Earth’s surface. As a result, the Earth’s polar magnetic field was altered. What are solar flares? A solar flare is a rapid and intense explosion on the Sun’s surface which happens in the aftermath of massive amounts of energy which is stored in magnetic fields being released suddenly. As the explosion happens, radiation is released into the universe, directly affecting the planets in our solar system. These radiations comprise of radio waves, x-rays, and gamma rays. NASA claims that the energy released by this explosion is equivalent to millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs going off at the same time. Even then, it constitutes just one-tenth of the Sun’s total energy. Also read: 'Orphan cloud' bigger than Milky Way found in 'no-galaxy's land' by scientists Also read: Sun has awoken and sent solar storms Earth's way. What are the dangers?

Explosion on Sun equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs causes biggest solar flare in 4 years

The universe holds secrets we’re not completely programmed to understand. But humanity is always at the cusp of a breakthrough when it comes to knowledge accumulation and the new 3D map of our solar system proves just that!

Ever thought about what lies at the edge of our very own solar system? Turns out, it’s a blob!&nbsp;

What's the edge of our solar system?

The edge of our system is where cosmic forces collide. On one edge lies solar wind comprising charged particles that emanate from the Sun. On the other side lie winds of space, laden with radiation absorbed from billions of stars situated nearby.

Solar winds or flares cause blackouts on Earth every once in a while but otherwise do an excellent job of protecting the planet from space radiation.

According to LiveScience, the solar winds wrap our solar system in a protective layer, preventing 70 per cent of space radiation from entering our system. Earth’s own magnetic shield does the job of protecting us from the leftover radiation.

This protective layer is called the heliosphere and its edge is called heliopause. At this junction lies a physical border where our solar system ends and the outside space begins.&nbsp;

What does the 3D map reveal?

On June 10, a new study in the Astrophysical Journal revealed the first 3D map of the heliosphere ever.

To achieve this, scientists used data collected by NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer satellite over 10 years. Using this, they tracked particles in solar winds that travel from the Sun to the edge of solar system and back.

Based on this, they calculated how far the solar wind was able to go before being blown back by interstellar radiation. This allowed the researchers to map the edges of our solar system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-finally-know-what-causes-mesmerising-auroras-in-polar-night-skies-393085" hreflang="en">We finally know what causes mesmerising auroras in polar night skies!</a>

The map shows how the heliosphere isn’t really a sphere, but a squishy looking blob-like entity with inconsistent borders. In one end the border is thick while it is extremely thin on the other side.

This is because the Sun is also locked in orbit at the centre of the Milky Way, akin to Earth’s orbit around Sun. In one direction, the Sun has more scope of pushing out solar winds that counter interstellar radiation, explaining the inconsistency of the border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-scientists-discover-four-near-earth-asteroids-in-nasa-backed-research-programme-393060" hreflang="en">Indian scientists discover four near-Earth asteroids in NASA-backed research programme</a>

The universe holds secrets we’re not completely programmed to understand. But humanity is always at the cusp of a breakthrough when it comes to knowledge accumulation and the new 3D map of our solar system proves just that!

The universe holds secrets we’re not completely programmed to understand. But humanity is always at the cusp of a breakthrough when it comes to knowledge accumulation and the new 3D map of our solar system proves just that! Ever thought about what lies at the edge of our very own solar system? Turns out, it’s a blob! What's the edge of our solar system? The edge of our system is where cosmic forces collide. On one edge lies solar wind comprising charged particles that emanate from the Sun. On the other side lie winds of space, laden with radiation absorbed from billions of stars situated nearby. Solar winds or flares cause blackouts on Earth every once in a while but otherwise do an excellent job of protecting the planet from space radiation. According to LiveScience, the solar winds wrap our solar system in a protective layer, preventing 70 per cent of space radiation from entering our system. Earth’s own magnetic shield does the job of protecting us from the leftover radiation. This protective layer is called the heliosphere and its edge is called heliopause. At this junction lies a physical border where our solar system ends and the outside space begins. What does the 3D map reveal? On June 10, a new study in the Astrophysical Journal revealed the first 3D map of the heliosphere ever. To achieve this, scientists used data collected by NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer satellite over 10 years. Using this, they tracked particles in solar winds that travel from the Sun to the edge of solar system and back. Based on this, they calculated how far the solar wind was able to go before being blown back by interstellar radiation. This allowed the researchers to map the edges of our solar system. Also read: We finally know what causes mesmerising auroras in polar night skies! The map shows how the heliosphere isn’t really a sphere, but a squishy looking blob-like entity with inconsistent borders. In one end the border is thick while it is extremely thin on the other side. This is because the Sun is also locked in orbit at the centre of the Milky Way, akin to Earth’s orbit around Sun. In one direction, the Sun has more scope of pushing out solar winds that counter interstellar radiation, explaining the inconsistency of the border. Also read: Indian scientists discover four near-Earth asteroids in NASA-backed research programme

In a first, new 3D map reveals details about the edge of our solar system

A Republican member of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives inquired at a congressional hearing on Tuesday&nbsp;about what can only be considered a novel approach to reversing the effects of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change.

At a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Louis Gohmert of Texas noted he had heard from a former official of NASA that the orbit of the Moon around the Earth and the orbit of the Earth around the Sun fluctuates slightly.

Indeed, variations in the celestial mechanics of the Moon's orbit had been known by the ancient Greeks. Astronomers today refer to these variations as an axial precession.

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But, Gohmert, in a hearing with an official of the National Forest System, a nook of the US&nbsp;federal government which, among other things, oversees the nation's timber supply, its management of wildfires, and the planting of undergrowth most beneficial to wildlife, expressed concern about the effects of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;and asked whether the forest service bureaucracy might do something to reverse those effects by altering the orbit of the Moon.

"Is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM (the Bureau of Land Management) can do to&nbsp;change&nbsp;the course of the Moon's orbit or the Earth's orbit around the Sun? he asked, noting that an orbital adjustment would have a profound effect of the&nbsp;climate.

Jennifer Eberlein, associate deputy chief of the National Forest System, nonplussed at a question widely outside of her usual running lane, was at her diplomatic best.

"I would have to follow-up with you on that one, Mr. Gohmert," she replied.

A Republican member of the US House of Representatives inquired at a congressional hearing on Tuesday about what can only be considered a novel approach to reversing the effects of climate change.

A Republican member of the US House of Representatives inquired at a congressional hearing on Tuesday about what can only be considered a novel approach to reversing the effects of climate change. At a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Louis Gohmert of Texas noted he had heard from a former official of NASA that the orbit of the Moon around the Earth and the orbit of the Earth around the Sun fluctuates slightly. Indeed, variations in the celestial mechanics of the Moon's orbit had been known by the ancient Greeks. Astronomers today refer to these variations as an axial precession. But, Gohmert, in a hearing with an official of the National Forest System, a nook of the US federal government which, among other things, oversees the nation's timber supply, its management of wildfires, and the planting of undergrowth most beneficial to wildlife, expressed concern about the effects of climate change and asked whether the forest service bureaucracy might do something to reverse those effects by altering the orbit of the Moon. "Is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM (the Bureau of Land Management) can do to change the course of the Moon's orbit or the Earth's orbit around the Sun? he asked, noting that an orbital adjustment would have a profound effect of the climate. Jennifer Eberlein, associate deputy chief of the National Forest System, nonplussed at a question widely outside of her usual running lane, was at her diplomatic best. "I would have to follow-up with you on that one, Mr. Gohmert," she replied.

US lawmaker's idea to reverse climate change: Alter the orbit of the Moon

Our planet Earth does not deserve more bad news. A global pandemic which continues to kill scores everyday to the ongoing threats caused by climate change - there is a lot on our&nbsp;plate. And now, there’s more - The Sun has awoken!

Just a few days ago, millions of tonnes of super hot gas was ejected from the surface of Sun and shot off towards Earth. Officially known as a “coronal mass ejection”, the event wasn’t powerful enough to cause serious harm to the planet. But it did set off the strongest geomagnetic storm seen on our planet in years.&nbsp;Not many people even felt it. But scientists believe this points to a worrying trend in the future - that the Sun is up and running after years of dormancy.

These ejections are harmless to anyone on the Earth’s surface but have a serious potential to damage power grids, restrict radio communication, expose airline workers and passengers to toxic radiation. The worst perhaps is the ability of the waves to take satellites off the grid.

In 2020, the Sun began its new 11-year cycle which is expected to peak in 2025. Essentially, solar storms&nbsp;and its effects are expected to become more common in the coming years. The last time such solar storms hit our planet was 17 years ago. Over the last two decades, our reliance on technology has increased multi-fold. And scientists fear continuous increase in solar storms&nbsp;could potentially disrupt tech globally.

What are the potential effects?

Space weather conditions aren’t usually taken seriously by stakeholders, analysts fear, which could cause multiple losses if serious solar storms and other adverse space weather incidents were to affect Earth in the near future.

The dangers posed by space weather changes aren’t imagined. It can jam communication systems during dire situations like natural disasters as was seen during Hurricane Irma. That’s not it! Solar storms could knock off the GPS off its feet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/astronomers-detect-how-many-interstellar-objects-may-be-visiting-our-solar-system-370700" hreflang="en">Astronomers detect how many interstellar objects may be visiting our solar system</a>

In addition, people that are exposed to such storms directly namely airline crew have a higher risk of developing cataract and miscarriages.

Solar storms are caused by 11-year Sun cycles that shift the polarity of the energy source’s magnetic field. In the process, flares escape the Sun and hurl towards outer space. A strong solar flare could leave millions of people without power!

Our planet Earth does not deserve more bad news. A global pandemic which continues to kill scores everyday to the ongoing threats caused by climate change - there is a lot on our plate.

Our planet Earth does not deserve more bad news. A global pandemic which continues to kill scores everyday to the ongoing threats caused by climate change - there is a lot on our plate. And now, there’s more - The Sun has awoken! Just a few days ago, millions of tonnes of super hot gas was ejected from the surface of Sun and shot off towards Earth. Officially known as a “coronal mass ejection”, the event wasn’t powerful enough to cause serious harm to the planet. But it did set off the strongest geomagnetic storm seen on our planet in years. Not many people even felt it. But scientists believe this points to a worrying trend in the future - that the Sun is up and running after years of dormancy. These ejections are harmless to anyone on the Earth’s surface but have a serious potential to damage power grids, restrict radio communication, expose airline workers and passengers to toxic radiation. The worst perhaps is the ability of the waves to take satellites off the grid. In 2020, the Sun began its new 11-year cycle which is expected to peak in 2025. Essentially, solar storms and its effects are expected to become more common in the coming years. The last time such solar storms hit our planet was 17 years ago. Over the last two decades, our reliance on technology has increased multi-fold. And scientists fear continuous increase in solar storms could potentially disrupt tech globally. What are the potential effects? Space weather conditions aren’t usually taken seriously by stakeholders, analysts fear, which could cause multiple losses if serious solar storms and other adverse space weather incidents were to affect Earth in the near future. The dangers posed by space weather changes aren’t imagined. It can jam communication systems during dire situations like natural disasters as was seen during Hurricane Irma. That’s not it! Solar storms could knock off the GPS off its feet. Also read: Astronomers detect how many interstellar objects may be visiting our solar system In addition, people that are exposed to such storms directly namely airline crew have a higher risk of developing cataract and miscarriages. Solar storms are caused by 11-year Sun cycles that shift the polarity of the energy source’s magnetic field. In the process, flares escape the Sun and hurl towards outer space. A strong solar flare could leave millions of people without power!

Sun has awoken and sent solar storms Earth's way. What are the dangers?

Starts are born in clusters this means Sun could have thousands of brothers and sisters. This theory has been put forth by an Russian astronomer Igor Izmailov. WION tells you more.

Russian astronomer: Sun could have thousands of brothers and sisters

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study.

Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet.

The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy.

This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up.

Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US.

The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state.

"The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University.

For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here.

Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth.

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet. The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy. This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up. Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US. The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state. "The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University. For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here. Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60. (With inputs from agencies)

From where did Earth get carbon?

Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This alone tells us how far Pluto is. But FarFarOut takes 800 years to take a single round trip around the Sun! That means last time FarFarOut was where it today is, Genghis Khan was expanding its empire in Asia and was knocking on the doors of Europe.

FarFarOut is 132 astronomical units away from the Sun (1 astronomical unit = 150 million kilometres) and is just 400 kilometres across (250 miles) in size. It was discovered in 2018.

The story behind how it got its nickname is funny.

Before its discovery, another very distant space object was discovered in 2018. It was 124 astronomical units away from the Sun. The object was really far out, and a surprised exclamation from Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science gave it a nickname Farout.

And what's more distant than Farout? Yep. FarFarOut!

The distances involved in studying FarFarout are so huge that constant astronomical observations are needed to take place for several years just to plot its trajectory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-study-gives-fresh-evidence-to-back-the-claim-362767">Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim</a>

Talking about trajectory, FarFarOut has a weird orbit around the Sun. It is wildly oval. At its furthest, FarFarOut is 175 astronomical units away from the Sun while at its nearest, it is 27 astronomical units away.

Scientists think that Neptune's gravity is the reason why FarFarOut has such a wild orbit around the Sun.

It is expected that more interaction between Neptune and FarFarOut is likely in the future.

Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This alone tells us how far Pluto is. But FarFarOut takes 800 years to take a single round trip around the Sun! That means last time FarFarOut was where it today is, Genghis Khan was expanding its empire in Asia and was knocking on the doors of Europe. FarFarOut is 132 astronomical units away from the Sun (1 astronomical unit = 150 million kilometres) and is just 400 kilometres across (250 miles) in size. It was discovered in 2018. The story behind how it got its nickname is funny. Before its discovery, another very distant space object was discovered in 2018. It was 124 astronomical units away from the Sun. The object was really far out, and a surprised exclamation from Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science gave it a nickname Farout. And what's more distant than Farout? Yep. FarFarOut! The distances involved in studying FarFarout are so huge that constant astronomical observations are needed to take place for several years just to plot its trajectory. Also Read | Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim Talking about trajectory, FarFarOut has a weird orbit around the Sun. It is wildly oval. At its furthest, FarFarOut is 175 astronomical units away from the Sun while at its nearest, it is 27 astronomical units away. Scientists think that Neptune's gravity is the reason why FarFarOut has such a wild orbit around the Sun. It is expected that more interaction between Neptune and FarFarOut is likely in the future.

Space object named 'FarFarOut' is the most distant thing in solar system

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