NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded this image of a solar flare– as seen in the brilliant flash on the right– on August 5. 2023. The image reveals a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the exceptionally hot material in flares and which is colorized in red and orange. Credit: NASA/SDO
The Sun produced a strong solar flare, peaking at 6:21 p.m. EDT on August 5, 2023. X-class represents the most extreme flares, while the number supplies more information about its strength.
Solar flares are unexpected and extreme bursts of energy and radiation stemming from the Suns surface area and outer environment. Theyre closely related to magnetic activity on the Sun, and when the magnetic energy that has actually developed in the solar atmosphere is suddenly launched, it can produce a solar flare.
Artists principle picture of NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite orbiting Earth. Credit: NASA
Heres a more detailed appearance at solar flares and how they are measured:
What are Solar Flares?
Solar flares occur in the Suns external environment, releasing energy across the whole electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to x-rays and gamma rays. The energy emitted in a solar flare can be comparable to millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs taking off at the exact same time.
The flares can impact space weather condition, and extreme flares can disrupt satellite communications, navigation systems, and even power grids in the world. They likewise create stunning auroras near the polar regions.
How Are Solar Flares Measured?
Solar flares are classified according to their brightness in the x-ray wavelengths. The classes are designated by a letter followed by a number. Heres a brief summary:
A-Class Flares: These are the weakest kind of solar flares, barely noticeable.
B-Class Flares: Still thought about fairly weak and typically go unnoticed.
C-Class Flares: These flares can have some minor results on Earths space weather condition.
M-Class Flares: These are considered medium-strength flares and can cause short radio blackouts at the polar areas.
X-Class Flares: These are the most substantial and most intense flares. They can trigger significant disturbances in the Earths magnetosphere and impact numerous systems on Earth.
The number that follows the letter represents a logarithmic scale of intensity, with each number representing a tenfold boost in energy output. So, an X2 flare is twice as extreme as an X1 flare, an M5 flare is 5 times as intense as an M1 flare, and so on.
Observatories like NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory and the NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center continually keep track of the Suns activity, using various instruments and techniques to find and measure solar flares. These include x-ray detectors, radio wave receivers, and other sensors that can discover modifications throughout various parts of the electro-magnetic spectrum.
NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded this image of a solar flare– as seen in the intense flash on the right– on August 5. The image reveals a subset of severe ultraviolet light that highlights the very hot material in flares and which is colorized in red and orange. The Sun produced a strong solar flare, peaking at 6:21 p.m. EDT on August 5, 2023. X-class represents the most extreme flares, while the number offers more info about its strength.
Solar flares are classified according to their brightness in the x-ray wavelengths.