NASA’s satellites recently detected a massive solar flare, with superheated plasma erupting from the Sun and spreading out in dramatic "wing-like" shapes.
What are Solar Flares?
- Definition: Solar flares are giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light, and high-speed particles into space.
- They are often associated with solar magnetic storms known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.
- Classification: The biggest flares are known as “X-class flares”. The smallest ones are A-class (near background levels), followed by B, C, M, and X.
- Frequency: Flares occur more frequently during the solar maximum (peak of the 11-year solar cycle).
- During the solar cycle, the Sun’s magnetic poles flip, reversing polarity approximately every 11 years.
- Solar flare bursts emit radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, radio waves, etc.
Implications of Solar Flare Events
- Geomagnetic Storms: These flares can disturb Earth’s magnetic field, leading to radio blackouts, power grid failures, & stunning auroras.
- Satellite Damage: High-energy particles can damage satellite electronics, affect GPS systems, & degrade communication networks.
- Human Safety: Do not directly harm people on Earth because the magnetic field & atmosphere shield us. However, astronauts & space missions can be at risk due to radiation exposure.
