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The Conversation
The Conversation
Ryan French, Research Scientist, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

2 newly launched NASA missions will help scientists understand the influence of the Sun, both from up close and afar

NASA's IMAP mission is one of two launching in September 2025. NASA/Princeton University/Patrick McPike

Even at a distance of 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away, activity on the Sun can have adverse effects on technological systems on Earth. Solar flares – intense bursts of energy in the Sun’s atmosphere – and coronal mass ejections – eruptions of plasma from the Sun – can affect the communications, satellite navigation and power grid systems that keep society functioning.

On Sept. 24, 2025, NASA launched two new missions to study the influence of the Sun on the solar system, with further missions scheduled for 2026 and beyond.

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