The Sun Today (IMAGE) Springer Caption The sun is a moody creature subject to tantrums. When plasma explodes from its atmosphere, a shock wave of solar wind is felt on Earth. Solar aggression can create decorative aurorae and destructive geomagnetic storms. Our understanding of the sun could also be key to the hunt for extraterrestrial life. Credit Springer Nature Switzerland AG Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.