NASA’s Solar Stormwatch: Intense X1.1 Flare Captured in Action

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory spotted a significant solar flare on May 9, 2024, reaching its peak at 1:44 p.m. ET. The observatory, focused on monitoring the Sun, managed to snap a picture of the occurrence. This comes after the recorded X-class solar flares on May 7 and 8.

Scientists categorized the flare as an X1.1 flare. In this classification, “X” signifies the most potent flares, with the number indicating its specific strength.

Solar Flares

Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation resulting from the release of magnetic energy linked to sunspots. They rank among the most potent solar phenomena and consist mainly of photons, spanning from radio waves to gamma rays. These flares manifest in the Sun’s atmosphere, appearing as bright regions that can endure from minutes to hours.

Solar flares are categorized according to how bright they are in the X-ray range. With A being the least intense and X being the most potent, they are labelled A, B, C, M, and X. Every class signifies a tenfold rise in energy output in comparison to the preceding class. Within each class, there’s a finer scale from 1 to 9, indicating more precisely the flare’s strength. For example, an X1 flare is ten times stronger than an M1 flare but weaker than an X9 flare. This classification system helps scientists and relevant authorities assess potential impacts on Earth, such as disruptions in communication and navigation systems, and plan suitable responses.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) was launched in February 2010 under the Living With a Star (LWS) program. Its main objective is to explore the Sun’s impact on Earth and near-Earth space by examining the solar atmosphere in various wavelengths across small space and time scales. SDO plays a crucial role in offering comprehensive data on the Sun’s behavior, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and magnetic fields.

With its array of instruments, SDO snaps high-resolution pictures of the Sun in 13 diverse wavelengths at frequent intervals. These wavelengths span from ultraviolet to extreme ultraviolet and visible light, enabling meticulous observation of the solar atmosphere. SDO’s data is indispensable for comprehending solar fluctuations that impact life on Earth and space-based technological infrastructure. By unraveling intricate solar dynamics, the observatory aids scientists in enhancing their ability to forecast solar weather with higher precision.

Read the original article on: SciTechDaily

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