solar flares

Solar flares: What are they and how do they affect Earth? | SpaceA solar flare is a sudden, intense explosion of electromagnetic radiation and energy on the Sun's surface, often occurring near sunspots. Caused by the release of twisted magnetic energy, these events last minutes to hours and emit radiation across the entire spectrum, including X-rays and ultraviolet light. NASA Science (.gov) NASA Science (.gov) +4 Key Details About Solar Flares: Energy Output: They are the largest explosive events in the solar system, releasing energy equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs. Travel Time & Impact: Travelling at the speed of light, they reach Earth in about 8 minutes, primarily causing radio blackouts by ionizing the lower atmosphere. Classification: Flares are classified by brightness in X-rays, with B-class (smallest), C-class, M-class (medium), and X-class (largest, most intense). Association with Sunspots: They occur in active regions of the Sun where magnetic fields are strong, often leading to Solar Particle Events or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). Effects on Earth: They can disrupt GPS, radio communications, and satellite operations, and pose radiation risks to astronauts in space. NASA Science (.gov) NASA Science (.gov) +7 Solar flares are most frequent during the "solar maximum," the peak of the Sun's 11-year cycle. SpaceWeatherLive.com SpaceWeatherLive.com