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The sun is at its solar maximum — which means more auroras are likely in store

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Recent flurry of solar storms suggests the sun is in a period of maximal activity as part of its 11-year cycle.

The active period is likely to continue over the next year , so more auroras could be in store.

Next month , NASA will get an up-close view of the solar activity as the agency’s Parker Solar Probe makes its closest-ever approach to the sun on Dec. 24 .

A better understanding of the solar cycle will help researchers understand the potential consequences for humans on Earth .

Eleven years from now , at the next solar maximum, there should be folks on the moon,” Korreck says. “That’s pretty striking. And it will be so interesting to see how things have changed.