For the first time, NASA telescopes have worked in tandem to watch blasts of high-energy radiation triggered by activity on the far side of the sun. The achievement will help scientists better understand eruptions of solar material that, when aimed at Earth, can damage satellites, disrupt the power grid, and set off beautiful aurora displays.

Launched in 2008, the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope was designed to study gamma rays, the most energetic form of light. These rays are emitted by all kinds of powerful and exotic phenomena, such as feeding black holes and dying stars.

Closer to home, solar flares can also produce gamma rays. Flares happen when active regions on the sun suddenly release explosions of magnetic energy. That