Scientists have always thought that the Sun was the most dependable body in the heavens. But with a new peak in solar activity, researchers are discovering a frightening new face of our star.

As a raging ball of super-heated plasma and gas, the Sun can be violent and erratic. Researchers fear the worst. The Sun is capable of unleashing a hurricane of particles that can trigger blackouts and even kill the satellites we depend on for telecommunications, navigation, and defence.