The Sun is continuing to put on a spectacular show as we near the peak of Solar Cycle 25 (the 25th since 1755¹).

Astronomers have just analysed a solar radio burst detected earlier this month that lasted for a staggering 19 days - absolutely shattered the previous five-day record.

This is nearly four times longer than any previously recorded solar radio event.

By combining data from multiple spacecraft spread across the inner solar system, researchers traced the source back to a massive magnetic structure known as a helmet streamer. It is a fascinating reminder of how dynamic and energetic our host star truly is, and how crucial it is to maintain a constant fleet of solar observatories to monitor its unpredictable behaviour.

1. The reason we have continuous solar cycle data dating back to 1755 is largely due to the retrospective historical work of a 19th-century Swiss astronomer named Rudolf Wolf. Here is an interesting Sky at Night article on the subject.

The Astrophysical Journal Letters - Unprecedented 19 Day Type IV Radio Burst as a Corotating Electron Reservoir

NASA Update, from May 2026: NASA Missions Track Record-Breaking Radio Burst from Sun

NOAA - Space Weather Prediction Center