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The sun emitted a mid-level solar flare, peaking at 8:13 p.m. EDT on Oct. 1, 2015. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground, however -- when intense enough -- they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.

Stuart Clark tells for the first time the full story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight-that the Sun's magnetism directly influences the Earth-helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy.

The sun emitted a significant solar flare which is classified as an X1.1-class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.

The sun emitted a significant solar flare which is classified as an X1.1-class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.

"Deep Space Photos & Photography from Galactic Images ®. We display and sell high-quality astronomy pictures & prints developed at the Chumack Observatories. Images of stars, galaxy photos, sun, moon and solar system pictures, planet pictures, and constellation photos are in the Image Gallery and also available for purchase in the online store."

The planisphere overlays the night sky in Google Earth with a grid showing you what you can see right now, including the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets (and Pluto too).

Gamma-ray bursts (GRB) are the most powerful explosions known in the Universe; most originate in distant galaxies. A large percentage of bursts likely arise from the explosion of stars over 15 times more massive than our Sun. Experts believe that...