2011 Was the Year of the Restless Sun After five years of surprising quiet, the sun roared to life in 2011. Our star erupted with numerous strong flares and waves of charged particles. Many researchers predict the surge will culminate in a peak in the sun’s 11-year activity cycle in 2013. This year also marked several key advances in scientists’ understanding of the dynamics driving our favorite star. Here are some of the solar highlights of 2011:

2011 Was the Year of the Restless Sun

After five years of surprising quiet, the sun roared to life in 2011.

Our star erupted with numerous strong flares and waves of charged particles. Many researchers predict the surge will culminate in a peak in the sun’s 11-year activity cycle in 2013.

This year also marked several key advances in scientists’ understanding of the dynamics driving our favorite star.

Here are some of the solar highlights of 2011: