NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares.
The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
"The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on May 10-11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May 10, and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which were classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares," NASA said in a statement.
There are five categories, listed here in order from most intense to least intense are as follows - X-class flares, M-class flares, C-class flares, B-class flares, and A-class flares.
NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares. The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
"The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on May 10-11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May 10, and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which were classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares," NASA said in a statement.
What ensued from these strong solar flares was a celestial extravaganza. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alarm as the first of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) approached our planet.
This cosmic spectacle played out for skywatchers all across the world, with beautiful auroras painting the skies in brilliant pink, green, and purple hues. Sky-gazers in northern Europe and Tasmania, Australia, were able to observe this unusual phenomenon.
Although fascinating, solar storms may be dangerous for technology infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms may cause fluctuations in magnetic fields, disrupting power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations.
The science behind solar flares: Understanding the phenomenon
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a solar flare is a massive explosion on the Sun that occurs when energy trapped in 'twisted' magnetic fields (often above sunspots) is abruptly released. In a short period of time, they may heat the material to temperatures in the millions, causing a sudden release of radiation ranging from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays.
Solar flares are classified by scientists based on their peak brightness at X-ray wavelengths. There are five categories, listed here in order from most intense to least intense are as follows - X-class flares, M-class flares, C-class flares, B-class flares, and A-class flares.
