Super-fast tsunamis from the sun.

Two artificial satellites detected a series of "tsunami"-like eruptions on the sun, spreading at incredible speeds.

The image shows tsunamis moving across the sun, captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. Photo: NASA.

Japan's Hinode satellite and the US Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite detected tsunamis traveling across the sun's upper atmosphere at speeds up to 400 km/second, BBC reported.

Hinode has been monitoring the sun since 2006, while Solar Dynamics Observatory has been orbiting the sun since 2010. Both satellites are capable of detecting ultraviolet light – a type of light invisible to the human eye.

Essentially, solar tsunamis are streams of charged particles escaping from the sun's upper atmosphere. Like tsunamis on Earth (which occur after earthquakes), solar tsunamis are shock waves carrying streams of superheated plasma.

Astronomers agree that solar tsunamis occur randomly and are relatively rare. Detecting them requires a stroke of luck.

The sun is currently in the active phase of its 11-year cycle. Solar activity during this active phase will peak sometime in 2013.

With sufficient intensity, solar flares can block telecommunication signals, such as radio waves. They can also cripple power systems.

A powerful solar flare in September 1859 disrupted telegraph signals, caused fires in North America and Europe, and created brilliant auroras in Cuba and the Hawaiian Islands.

According to VnExpress - VT