Solar Astronomy
Early Images of the Sun From Hinode
The recently launched Japanese Hinode spacecraft is turning in some amazing new photographs of the Sun as part of its…
Last Weekend’s Auroras… From Space
Of course, as usual, we had rain here on Vancouver Island, Canada in December. But large portions of the Northern…
Mercury’s Transit Captured by Hinode
The Japanese solar observing spacecraft Hinode captured this photograph of Mercury's transit this week. Hinode, formerly known as Solar B,…
Photos of Mercury’s Transit
I don't know about you, but I wasn't able to watch the Mercury transit directly. Fortunately, our hardworking friends in…
Killer Solar Flare… on Another Star
NASA's Swift satellite has spotted one of the most powerful stellar flares ever seen. Fortunately, this killer blast happened on…
First Light Looks Bright for Hinode
Japan's newly-launched Hinode spacecraft has captured its first images of the Sun. Formerly known as Solar-B, the spacecraft launched on…
Successful Liftoff for NASA’s STEREO Spacecraft
NASA's solar-observing STEREO spacecraft were carried into space Wednesday evening, atop a Boeing Delta II rocket. STEREO, aka the Solar…
Solar B Prepares for Launch
Solar flares are the most powerful explosions in the Solar System, releasing enormous energy in the form of radiation, high…
STEREO Spacecraft Set for Launch
Get set to see the Sun... in thrilling 3-D! At the end of August, NASA will launch its twin STEREO…
A Magnetically Backwards Sunspot
Astronomers have been waiting to see a very special kind of sunspot, and this week, they saw what they were…