File:Massive X-Class Solar Flare.jpg

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NASA image captured 9 Aug 2011.

On August 9, 2011 at 3:48 a.m. EDT, the sun emitted an Earth-directed X6.9 flare, as measured by the NOAA GOES satellite. These gigantic bursts of radiation cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to harm humans on the ground, however they can disrupt the atmosphere and disrupt GPS and communications signals. In this case, it appears the flare is strong enough to potentially cause some radio communication blackouts. It also produced increased solar energetic proton radiation -- enough to affect humans in space if they do not protect themselves.

There was also a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with this flare. CMEs are another solar phenomenon that can send solar particles into space and affect electronic systems in satellites and on Earth. However, this CME is not traveling toward and Earth so no Earth-bound effects are expected.

More information and videos available here.

Credit: NASA/SDO/AIA

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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Massive X-Class Solar Flare

Author NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from Greenbelt, MD, USA

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Date/TimeThumbnailDimensionsUserComment
current16:04, 5 October 2024Thumbnail for version as of 16:04, 5 October 20241,142 × 858 (151 KB)Don-vipCropped < 1 % horizontally, < 1 % areawise using CropTool with precise mode.
20:27, 12 August 2011Thumbnail for version as of 20:27, 12 August 20111,144 × 858 (157 KB)File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske){{Information |Description=NASA image captured 9 Aug 2011. On August 9, 2011 at 3:48 a.m. EDT, the sun emitted an Earth-directed X6.9 flare, as measured by the NOAA GOES satellite. These gigantic bursts of radiation cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere

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