Spectacular images and data from the Hinode mission have shed new light on the Sun's magnetic field and the origins of solar wind, which can disrupt power grids, satellites and communications on Earth.

Full story at:

http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMGUB29R9F_index_0.html

Wouldn't it be cool if we could travel to any part of our galaxy, or the next, to study it. That would sure make it easier.  I wonder if star visitors play chess?

A new 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity, bringing with it
increased risks for power grids, critical military, civilian and airline
communications, GPS signals and even cell phones and ATM transactions,
showed signs it was on its way last week when the cycle's first sunspot
appeared in the sun's Northern Hemisphere, NOAA scientists said.

 http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0801/06sunspot/

The appearance of a very special solar spot on the sun surface a few days ago, signalled to scientists around the world that a new solar cycle had begun. This solar spot also produced two solar blasts.

Full story:
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMT1J3MDAF_index_0.html

Data from the ESA/NASA spacecraft SOHO shows clearly that powerful starquakes ripple around the Sun in the wake of mighty solar flares that explode above its surface. The observations give solar physicists new insight into a long-running solar mystery and may even provide a way of studying other stars.

Read more at:

http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEM4SB4XQEF_index_0.html