Despite its apparently steady glow, the Sun is a churning mass of superhot plasma that regularly produces powerful flares and storms that can knock out power and communication systems here on Earth. This Lab explores what makes the Sun so volatile and gives you access to the same data, images, and tools that scientists use to predict solar storms—so that you can predict them for yourself.
RESEARCH CHALLENGEFor tips on using this Lab in the classroom, check out our Educator's Guide.
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Sun 101
Formed over 4 billion years ago, the Sun continues to produce a seemingly limitless supply of energy. So, what lies beneath its surface? And how do the Sun's inner workings drive its behavior?
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Space Weather
The steady flow of hot plasma from the Sun is often punctuated by violent eruptions. See what causes solar storms, what happens when they approach Earth, and what could happen when the next big one arrives.
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Technology & Discovery
Most of what we know about the Sun comes from reading the light it gives off. Explore the basic physics of light, get to know the telescopes that do the work, and see how you can use them in the Lab.
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