NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – as shown in the bright flash at lower right – on May 9, 2024. The composite image combines three wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light which highlight the extremely hot material of the eruptions and which is colorized in green, blue and red. Credit: NASA/SDO
On May 9, 2024, NASAThe Solar Dynamics Observatory detected a significant solar flare that peaked at 1:44 p.m. ET. This observatory is dedicated to the continuous monitoring of the Sun and has managed to capture an image of this event. This follows the release of X-class solar flares on May 7-8.
This eruption is classified as an X1.1 eruption. Class X denotes the most intense eruptions, while the number provides more information about its strength.
Solar flares
Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation emanating from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. These flares are one of the most powerful forms of solar activity and are primarily composed of photons, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays. They occur in the Sun’s atmosphere, shining as bright patches on the Sun that can last from a few minutes to several hours.
The classification of solar flares is based on their brightness in X-ray wavelengths. Classes are labeled A, B, C, M, and X, with A being the faintest and X being the strongest. Each class has a tenfold increase in energy production compared to the previous one. Within each class, there is a finer scale of 1 to 9 that more precisely quantifies the strength of the eruption. For example, an X1 flare is ten times more powerful than an M1 flare but is considerably weaker than an X9 flare. This system helps scientists and relevant authorities assess potential impacts on Earth, such as disruptions to communications and navigation systems, and prepare appropriate responses.
Artist’s conceptual image of the SDO satellite orbiting Earth. Credit: NASA
NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a mission launched in February 2010 as part of the Living With a Star (LWS) program. The main goal of the SDO is to understand the influence of the Sun on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously . SDO has been instrumental in providing detailed data on the Sun’s activity and its components such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and magnetic fields.
Equipped with a suite of instruments, SDO captures high-resolution images of the Sun in 13 different wavelengths every few seconds. This includes capturing images in the ultraviolet, extreme ultraviolet and visible light spectra, which help observe the solar atmosphere in incredible detail. SDO data are crucial for understanding solar variations that influence life on Earth and technological systems in space. The observatory helps scientists better understand complex solar dynamics and supports efforts to predict solar weather with greater accuracy. precision.
