Solar Storms Rising

Solar forecasters predict the Sun will reach the peak of its eleven year cycle sometime in 2013. Meanwhile, after one of the least active solar minimums on record, the Sun is rising again. Here are some of the highlights captured so far by NASA satellites: powerful X-class flares, flamboyant CMEs, and swirling turbulence on its surface. Our favorite is the "magnificent CME" from August 2012. You can be sure there s more of this to come.