What you need to know to make the most of them
The primary ways a solar flare is measured is via x-rays and optical light. Sites where particles (electrons, protons, and heavier particles) are accelerated are also considered a solar flare.
A flare can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours in length. Solar flares release photons (light particles) at almost every wavelength in the spectrum.
Solar flares are the largest explosive events in our entire solar system. They can be viewed as bright areas appearing on the Sun.
A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation. It involves a large release of magnetic energy, that is associated with sunspots.
In February 2024, the Sun emitted two strong solar flares. The first one peaked at 6:07 pm EST on February 21, 2024, and the second peaked at 1:32 am EST on February 22, 2024.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory watches the Sun constantly. It captured images of the solar flare as they occurred, in February 2024.
Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals.
The first of the flares was classified as an X1.8 flare. The second flare was classified as an X1.7 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.
These outbursts are intrinsically linked to the solar cycle. This is an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity, driven by the Sun's magnetic field.
The intensity of the explosion determines what classification the flare belongs to. The most powerful are X-class flares, followed by M-, C- and B-class; A-class flares are the smallest.
As a result, depending on the strength of the explosion, they can pose potential risks to both spacecraft and astronauts.
This unsettled magnetic field behavior is what leads to the trigger of solar flare eruptions, when vast amounts of electromagnetic radiation are released from the surface of the Sun.
Sunspots are darker, cooler portions of the solar surface where magnetic fields are particularly strong. Solar flares tend to originate from these.
Due to the turbulent nature of the gases that create them, these magnetic fields continually twist, tangle, and reorganize themselves.
Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that includes radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays, and visible light.
We are currently in solar cycle 25, with the solar maximum predicted to occur in 2025. The peak of sunspot activity coincides with the solar maximum.
The Sun's surface is a magnetically mixed-up place. Electrically charged gases generate electrical currents. These currents then act as a magnetic dynamo, creating magnetic fields.
During periods of low solar activity, when there are no sunspots present, it is unlikely for a solar flare to occur.
Similar to the Richter scale that measures the strength of earthquakes, each class letter represents a 10-fold increase in energy output.
A 2003 solar flare was so powerful that it overloaded the sensors measuring it. Before cutting out, the sensors reported an X28 flare.
We don't have long to respond to solar flares when they occur. The radiation emitted travels at the speed of light and can reach the Earth in just eight minutes.
M-class flares are 10 times smaller than X-class flares, followed by C-class, B-class, and finally A-class; A-class flares are too weak to significantly affect Earth.
Our ability to predict space weather has improved in the past few years, but it's still a tricky business. Several organizations keep a close eye on solar weather fluctuations.
Geomagnetic storms can lead to auroras closer to the equator than is possible during calm conditions. In 1989, an aurora borealis could be seen as far south as Florida and Cuba following a solar flare.
Strong M-class and X-class flares can lead to a large release of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun. This can result in geomagnetic storms.
During an eruption, M-class and X-class flares can also cause minor to extensive radio blackouts on the side of Earth facing the Sun.
While solar flares can cause considerable technological disruption, their energy cannot do any lasting damage to the Earth itself. So you don't need to worry!
Sources: (Space) (NASA) (NCEI) (Deseret News) (Scientific American)
These organizations can send out warnings to technology sectors vulnerable to solar flare activity so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Organizations such as NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) monitor the Sun for such flares.
Earth is heating up, but it doesn't only face threats from climate change. The Sun also experiences 'weather' changes, and one thing you might have heard about is solar flares. But what are they, really? Well, we can think of them as storms that take place on the surface of the Sun. Energy that's built up is released, creating a magnetic storm. Fluctuations to the magnetic field can sometimes be felt as far away as here on Earth! So, should we be worried? Well, that all depends on the size of the storm.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the potential impact of solar storms on Earth.
Is a solar storm something to fear?
What is a solar flare? Everything you need to know
LIFESTYLE Sun
Earth is heating up, but it doesn't only face threats from climate change. The Sun also experiences 'weather' changes, and one thing you might have heard about is solar flares. But what are they, really? Well, we can think of them as storms that take place on the surface of the Sun. Energy that's built up is released, creating a magnetic storm. Fluctuations to the magnetic field can sometimes be felt as far away as here on Earth! So, should we be worried? Well, that all depends on the size of the storm.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the potential impact of solar storms on Earth.