NASA and ESA scientists have detected a solar radio burst that lasted 19 days [1], marking the longest event of its kind ever recorded.
The discovery provides critical data on the Sun's behavior, as such prolonged emissions are rare and indicate extreme plasma activity that can impact space weather.
Instruments on NASA and ESA space probes first observed the phenomenon in August 2025 [2]. The burst continued for 19 days [1] before subsiding. This duration far exceeds previous records for solar radio emissions, which typically last for much shorter intervals.
Researchers said the event was due to intense solar activity and massive plasma eruptions occurring on the surface of the Sun [3]. These eruptions release high-energy particles and electromagnetic radiation that can be detected across the solar system.
The monitoring effort involved a coordinated analysis of data from multiple space-based missions. By tracking the radio signatures, the teams were able to map the progression of the burst and its relation to the solar atmosphere [2].
Solar radio bursts are often associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections. While many of these events are brief, the persistence of this specific burst suggests a unique or sustained magnetic configuration on the Sun [3]. Scientists said they are now analyzing the data to determine if this event represents a new class of solar activity or an extreme version of known processes [4].
The record-breaking nature of the burst highlights the importance of continuous solar monitoring. As the Sun undergoes its natural cycle of activity, understanding these anomalies helps researchers predict potential disruptions to satellite communications and power grids on Earth [2].
“the longest ever recorded from the Sun”
The detection of a 19-day radio burst challenges existing models of solar emission durations. Because these bursts are tied to plasma eruptions, the event suggests that the Sun can maintain high-energy radio emissions for significantly longer than previously thought, potentially altering how scientists forecast the impact of solar storms on Earth's technological infrastructure.
