Scientists have uncovered surprising behavior inside a powerful solar eruption that challenges existing models and could change how researchers predict space weather.

A massive eruption on the Sun sent a cloud of magnetized plasma racing toward Earth, where it underwent an extraordinary transformation. Over a distance of just 13 million miles, the cloud expanded by 21% as the plasma inside became three times hotter, defying expectations about how these solar structures evolve.

Researchers led by the University of Iowa documented the rapid growth using observations from two spacecraft positioned along the cloud’s path. Their findings challenge existing models of solar storms and could improve predictions of space weather events capable of disrupting satellites, navigation systems, and electrical grids.