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A sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, typically observed near its surface and in close proximity to a sunspot group. Example: The X-class solar flare that occurred on March 29, 2014.

A significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the solar corona. Example: A CME that hits Earth and causes auroras.

The visible surface of the Sun from which light is emitted. Example: The layer of the sun we typically see with solar filters.

A model of the solar system that places the Sun at the center, with planets orbiting around it. Developed by Nicolaus Copernicus. Example: The modern understanding of our Solar System.

A temporary phenomenon on the Sun's photosphere that appears as spots darker than the surrounding areas. Example: Sunspots often indicate regions of intense magnetic activity.

A temporary disturbance of the Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave and/or cloud of magnetic field. Example: The Quebec blackout in March 1989.

A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. Example: Constant flow of particles extending to the heliopause.

A natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. Example: The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

The region of space surrounding an astronomical object in which charged particles are controlled by that object's magnetic field. Example: Earth's magnetosphere deflecting solar wind.

A nearly 11-year cycle that includes variations in the Sun's activity and appearance, such as sunspot numbers. Example: The transition from Solar Cycle 24 to Solar Cycle 25 around 2019-2021.

The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers into space and visible during a total solar eclipse. Example: The white halo observed around the sun during a total solar eclipse.

A NASA space probe launched in 2018 to study the outer corona of the Sun and solve mysteries regarding the physics of stars. Example: Closest approach to the Sun by any spacecraft.

The theoretical boundary where the Sun's solar wind is stopped by the interstellar medium. Example: Where the Voyager probes have entered interstellar space.

A region of the Earth's upper atmosphere, ionized by solar and cosmic radiation, affecting radio wave propagation. Example: Northern Lights occur in the ionosphere.

Large, bright features extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape, caused by the Sun's magnetic field. Example: Looped shapes extending from the sun visible during total solar eclipses.

Two doughnut-shaped regions of energetic charged particles around Earth, held in place by its magnetic field. Example: These belts pose a challenge for spacecraft electronics and human spaceflight.

A phenomenon where magnetic fields from the Sun and Earth connect briefly, allowing solar wind to enter the Earth's magnetosphere. Example: Causes pulses of particles and energy to enter the Earth's magnetic field.

A layer of the Sun's atmosphere above the photosphere and below the corona that appears red during solar eclipses. Example: Region of the sun seen as a red rim during a solar eclipse.

Magnetohydrodynamic waves in a plasma, caused by the interaction of magnetic fields and charged particles. Example: These waves transfer energy from the Sun's surface to its corona.