Discover published sets by community

Coronal mass ejections are significant releases of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona. They can eject billions of tons of coronal material and carry an embedded magnetic field that is stronger than the background solar wind interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). CMEs can reach Earth and interact with its magnetic field, potentially creating geomagnetic storms that can disrupt power grids and satellites.

A solar flare is a sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, usually observed near its surface and in close proximity to a sunspot group. Powerful flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections. They can disrupt Earth's atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel, which can affect satellites and communication systems.

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as spots darker than the surrounding areas. They are regions of reduced surface temperature caused by concentrations of magnetic field flux that inhibit convection. Sunspots usually cycle over approximately an 11-year period, known as the solar cycle, and can influence Earth's climate by affecting solar radiation levels.

A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave and/or cloud of magnetic field that interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The increased pressure from the solar wind can cause the Earth's magnetic field to compress. These storms can lead to auroras as well as disruptions in power systems, satellite operations, and communications.

The solar cycle is the approximately 11-year cycle that includes variations in the number and size of sunspots, solar flares, and other solar phenomena. During a solar maximum, the Sun has many sunspots and solar activity is high. Conversely, during a solar minimum, solar activity is lower. Variations in the solar cycle can influence Earth's climate and space weather conditions.