The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured two powerful solar flares on Monday.
A solar flare is an explosion on the surface of the sun. Energy that is stored in magnetic fields is released in a sudden explosion. They are different than coronal mass ejections (CME), as CMEs are bubbles of gas with magnetic fields that take hours to erupt.
Solar flares form in the same area as sunspots, with an average lifespan of 10 minutes.
Watch: Video: Sun blasts particles into space
Solar flares are measured by the amount of x-rays they emit. X flares are the strongest emitted from the sun. These flares, if Earth-directed, can cause disruption to communications systems and blackouts, and can pose a danger to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
In March 1989, much of Quebec lost power for up to 12 hours after a solar flare hit Earth.
Monday’s first flare was classified as an X 1.7; the second was an X 2.8. Neither of these flares were directed towards Earth. The area of eruption, however, is turning towards us.
M-class flares are medium-sized flares, which may cause brief radio blackouts, while C-class flares have few noticeable consequences.
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