The Heliophysics Big Year

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The Heliophysics Big Year is a global

celebration of solar science and the Sun’s influence on Earth and throughout the solar system. And we want you to be a part of it.

We challenge you to participate in as many Sun science activities as possible—

beginning with the Annular eclipse in 2023 and ending with Parker Solar Probe’s closest approach to the Sun in December 2024.

Space is increasingly part of the human domain. By studying the Sun’s influence in space and its interactions with planets, we learn how better to protect astronauts and robotic missions from space weather, and to develop technology that protects the very infrastructure we rely on here on Earth, such as power grids and GPS signals.

NASA’s Heliophysics Division studies the Sun’s influence on everything in our solar system, from the very core of the Sun to the very edge where the Sun's atmosphere meets interstellar space.

We have 20 heliophysics missions that are operational and 14 more under development. The Heliophysics Big Year will highlight the work we are doing to understand our star and to mitigate the effects of space weather.

The “Big Year” is a concept that originated with citizen scientists in the bird-watching community. During their Big Year, birders attempt to observe and study as many species as possible during a calendar year and we are challenging you to do the same with our Sun.

During the Heliophysics Big Year, you will have the opportunity to participate in many solar science events like watching solar eclipses, experiencing an aurora, participating in citizen science projects, and lots of other fun Sun-related activities.

So, please be sure to look out for opportunities to be part of our Heliophysics Big Year!