Solar Science

https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/solar-science/ The sun is a dynamic star, made of super-hot ionized gas called plasma. The sun's surface and atmosphere change continually, driven by the magnetic forces generated by this constantly-moving plasma. The sun releases energy in two ways: the usual flow of light that illuminates the Earth and makes life possible; but also in more violent and dramatic ways--it gives off bursts of light, particles, and magnetic fields that can have ripple effects all the way out to the solar system's magnetic edge. We study the sun to better understand how its ever-changing conditions can influence Earth, other worlds, and even space itself.