In light of the solar maximum, a look at the biggest solar storm in recorded history : Short Wave : NPR

We are at the height of the Sun's activity in its eleven year cycle, known to astronomers as the solar maximum. This means that over the next several months there's going to be a lot of solar activity. It's got us thinking back to 1859. That's when astronomer Richard Carrington was studying the Sun when he witnessed the most intense geomagnetic storm recorded in history. The storm, triggered by a giant solar flare, sent brilliant auroral displays across the globe causing electrical sparking and fires in telegraph stations. This encore episode, Regina talks to solar physicist Dr. Samaiyah Farid about what's now known as the Carrington event and about what may happen the next time a massive solar storm hits Earth.Want to hear us cover other parts of the solar system? Email the show at shortwave@ to let us know!

Solar Flare Will Hit Earth Thursday; Northern Lights May Expand

A Perfect Solar Superstorm: The 1859 Carrington Event

If the Biggest Solar Storm in History Happened Today

In light of the solar maximum, a look at the biggest solar storm

NASA caught the sun smiling down on us, literally : NPR

The worst solar storms in history

Thursday's Solar Flare Was the Largest Recorded in Years

The sun just launched three huge solar flares in 24 hours - The

NASA caught the sun smiling down on us, literally : NPR