Published: 31st Jan, 2022
Context
In a recent even, the sunspot AR2929 erupted, producing a powerful M5.5-class solar flare, which has been recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory in an extreme ultraviolet flash.
- During the flare, a pulse of X-rays ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout around the Indian Ocean.
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What is Solar flare?
- A solar flare is a tremendous explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in 'twisted' magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released.
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Coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
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Classification of solar flare
- Solar flares are classified into three categories according to their brightness in the x-ray wavelengths.
- X-class flaresare big; they are major events that can trigger radio blackouts around the whole world and long-lasting radiation storms in the upper atmosphere.
- M-class flaresare medium-sized; they generally cause brief radio blackouts that affect Earth's polar regions. Minor radiation storms sometimes follow an M-class flare.
- C-class flares: Compared to X- and M-class events, C-class flares are small with few noticeable consequences here on Earth.
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