The sun has reached its "solar maximum period," which is a state of heightened activity in its 11-year solar cycle. It's normal, but will almost certainly bring more solar storms — the type that can disrupt our power grid and communication systems, but also light up the sky with brilliant auroras.

Representatives from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the announcement last week, indicating the solar maximum could continue for the next year. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle transitioning between low and high magnetic activity culminating with the flipping of the sun’s magnetic poles.

The sun’s 11-year solar cycle has officially reached its “maximum phase,” according to a press release from multiple federal agencies.

NASA, NOAA, and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have confirmed the Sun has reached solar maximum, slightly earlier than expected in its 11-year cycle. Thanks to the solar probes, telescopes,