Astronomy

Astronomy

The scientific study of planets, stars, black holes, comets and other celestial bodies that make up outer space.

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Astronomy > Solar system

Geminid Meteor Shower

Astronomy; Solar system

Also known as the "Geminids," the Geminid Meteor Shower is an annual meteor shower that occurs around December 13th-14th of each year. Unlike other meteor showers, which originate ...

coronal hole

Astronomy; General astronomy

An area in the sun's corona that appears dark when viewed in the far UV or in the long-wavelength x-ray range. Coronal holes are believed to be associated with fast solar winds ...

corona

Astronomy; General astronomy

The outermost layer of the sun´s atmosphere which is extremely hot, up to 1-1.5 million degrees centigrade, and is the source of solar winds. The corona is only visible to the ...

solar storm

Astronomy; Solar system

A solar storm is the major disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field by the effect of a solar flare or solar coronal mass ejection. A solar flare is usually accompanied by a bust ...

light bridge

Astronomy; Solar system

Observed in white light, a bright tongue or streaks penetrating or crossing sunspot umbrae. Light bridges typically develop slowly and have lifetimes of several days. The ...

space weather

Astronomy; Planetary science

Popular name for energy-releasing phenomena from the Sun and its effects on planetary systems. Space weather conditions can influence the performance and reliability of ...

solar energetic particles

Astronomy; Solar system

High energy particles emitted from active areas on the Sun from time to time, usually associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The Earth’s magnetic field keeps ...