The Heliophysics Big Year
The Heliophysics Big Year is a global celebration of the Sun’s influence on Earth and the entire solar system. From Oct. 14, 2023, to Dec. 24, 2024, we are challenging you to participate in as many Sun-related activities as you can!
A Big Year for Our Sun
During the Heliophysics Big Year, we are challenging you to participate in as many Sun-related activities as you can!
Whether it's watching a solar eclipse, experiencing an aurora, participating in citizen science projects, or hosting a Sun party, we've got a year full of ways to celebrate the Sun!
Learn more from Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
Highlights of the Big Year
Annular Eclipse
On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular eclipse was visible from parts of the western United States.
Parker Solar Probe's Closest Approach
On Dec. 24, 2024, a record-breaking NASA mission will make its closest approach of the Sun.
Monthly Themes
Solar Cycle & Solar Maximum
October 2024
The Sun is a powerful source of energy. From solar power to photosynthesis, it The solar cycle is a natural cycle the Sun goes through as it transitions between low and high magnetic activity. Roughly every 11 years, at the height of the solar cycle, the Sun’s magnetic poles flip — on Earth, that’d be like the North and South Poles swapping places every decade — and the Sun transitions from calm to an active and stormy state. Currently, the Sun is experiencing high levels of activity.
This month looks at how the solar cycle influences the solar system and how scientists track and try to predict its evolution.
Solar Cycle & Solar Maximum
October 2024
Here are some activities and resources to learn about the solar cycle!
– Listen and learn about the “Seasons of the Sun” from NASA’s Curious Universe podcast.
– Relive the previous solar cycle through 10 years of NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory imagery.
– Keep up with the latest happenings of the current solar cycle in NASA’s Solar Cycle 25 blog.
– Check out the Sun’s activity with NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
– Learn more about how to track the solar cycle.
Solar Cycle & Solar Maximum
October 2024
Solar activity strongly influences conditions in space known as space weather. This can affect satellites and astronauts in space, as well as communications and navigation systems — such as radio and GPS — and power grids on Earth. When the Sun is most active, space weather events become more frequent.
In May 2024, a barrage of large solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched clouds of charged particles and magnetic fields toward Earth, creating the strongest solar storm to reach Earth in two decades — and possibly one of the strongest displays of auroras on record in the past 500 years.
