NASA captures one of the most intense solar flares on camera
The sun let out a huge celebration on Cinco de Mayo, producing one of the most intense solar flares that NASA has ever seen.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which constantly watches the sun, captured images of a significant solar flare peaking at 6:11 p.m. EDT on May 5, 2015.
The space agency released video and images of the event, showing the brilliant burst of radiation at different ultraviolet wavelengths. By comparing these different images, scientists can better understand the movement of solar matter and energy during a flare. The flare was classified as an X2.7-class flare, with X-class denoting the most intense flares, while the number signifying its strength. For example, an X2 is twice as intense as an X1, an X3 is three times as intense.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of harmful radiation. The radiation cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans. However, some very intense flares can disturb the atmosphere and affect GPS and communications signals.
To understand the massive size of a solar flare, check out this image of a different solar flare with the planet Earth superimposed for scale.
