Now in 3D, maps begin to bring exoplanets into focus
Peer-Reviewed Publication
In honor of Global Astronomy Month, we’re exploring the science of space. Learn how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 24-Dec-2025 23:11 ET (25-Dec-2025 04:11 GMT/UTC)
Sporadic-E is a phenomenon that occurs in the ionosphere that can disrupt radio communications. Through simulations, researchers have found that rising CO2 levels in our atmosphere could lead to sporadic-E becoming stronger, occur at lower altitudes, and persist longer at night.
Kyoto, Japan -- Down here on Earth we don't usually notice, but the Sun is frequently ejecting huge masses of plasma into space. These are called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). They often occur together with sudden brightenings called flares, and sometimes extend far enough to disturb Earth's magnetosphere, generating space weather phenomena including auroras or geomagnetic storms, and even damaging power grids on occasion.
Scientists believe that when the Sun and the Earth were young, the Sun was so active that these CMEs may have even affected the emergence and evolution of life on the Earth. In fact, previous studies have revealed that young Sun-like stars, proxies of our Sun in its youth, frequently produce powerful flares that far exceed the largest solar flares in modern history.
Huge CMEs from the early Sun may have severely impacted the early environments of Earth, Mars, and Venus. However, to what extent explosions on these young stars exhibit solar-like CMEs remains unclear. In recent years, the cool plasma of CMEs has been detected by optical observations on the ground. However, the high velocity and expected frequent occurrence of strong CMEs in the past have remained elusive.
Researchers show how baker's yeast can survive harsh conditions found in the Martian environment