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Jul. 02, 2010
Sun Activity
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The sun has been in a relatively quiet period in recent years -- but astronomers say that quiet period is nearing an end. Solar activity tends to go in 11-year cycles. 2008 and 2009 saw unusually calm times on the sun, with little in the way of sunspots. The year 2013 should bring a peak of the solar cycle, with the potential for solar storms that could disrupt electronics here on Earth. We'll talk about solar weather and the upcoming solar storm season. Plus, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory launched earlier this year, and is sending back amazing images and video of activity on the sun. We'll take a look. |
Produced by Annette Heist, Senior Producer
Guests
-
David H. Hathaway
Solar Astronomer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, Alabama -
Flora Lichtman
Multimedia Editor
NPR's Science Friday
New York, New York
FEATURED READING
Brilliant Blunders
by Mario Livio
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