A night-time photo showing a rocket taking off from a launchpad. It is surrounded by four metal pylons and clouds of smoke.

Astronomy & Observing News

SMILE: European Space Weather Mission Launches

An innovative new mission will probe the mystery of how the Earth’s magnetosphere interacts with the solar wind.

solar flare

Astronomy & Observing News

Solar Tsunami Hit Earth 9,200 Years Ago

Scientists examining ancient ice cores have found radioactive evidence of an extreme solar storm that took place in 7,176 BCE.

STEVE's mauve ribbon and green picket fence

Astronomy & Observing News

The Aurora Called STEVE Isn’t Aurora After All . . . Mostly

New observations of STEVE, the mauve celestial ribbon that aurora chasers have seen fluttering in the sky, have helped scientists determine the energy source of this unique phenomenon.

Andoya Launch

Astronomy & Observing News

Rocket Barrage to Study Northern Lights

A series of 11 sounding rocket flights from two remote locations in the Arctic circle will help unlock the secrets of the processes behind the Northern Lights.