Our Sun: A Strong X1 Solar Flare | NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory

Our Sun: A Strong X1 Solar Flare | NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory

The Sun released an X1 solar flare, a powerful burst of energy, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on Oct. 2, 2022. X-class are the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. For instance, an X1 flare is half as strong as an X2. While solar flares can affect radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals, harmful radiation from a solar flare cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground. By studying flares and how they affect our planet and nearby space, the SDO helps us to better prepare for and mitigate these potential disruptions.

Image Description:

The Sun is gold with a mottled, swirling surface. Glowing particles burst out from the edge on the lower right and most of the upper left against the black background of space.

Learn more about solar flares:

https://blogs.nasa.gov/solarcycle25/2022/06/10/solar-flares-faqs/

Image Credit: NASA/SDO

Release Date: October 11, 2022

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