INDUSTRY

NASA research on Earth's nearest star provided many firsts in 2006. Researchers developed a computer simulation to create a model of the sun's outer atmosphere. Scientists predicted the next solar activity cycle to be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the previous one. In March, NASA and Libyan scientists conducted joint activities to observe and study a total solar eclipse. This complemented the launch of NASA's twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatories mission (STEREO) spacecraft that will help researchers construct the first-ever three-dimensional views of the sun. These research activities may provide information to help mitigate effects of solar storms, which can disrupt satellite orbits and electronics, interfere with radio communication and threaten astronaut safety. For more information, visit: its Web site.