Occurring several times during an 11-year-old solar cycle, solar flares hold immense energy in them.Scientists have closely observed solar activity and the phenomenon of solar flares. Concluded from their research, solar flares are caused by the explosion of energy particles due to the rearranging tangling or reorganization of magnetic fields around solar spots.Coronal Mass Ejections occasionally accompany solar flares. These Coronal Mass Ejections are huge bubbles and radiation released from the Sun. Although solar flares are not powerful enough to destroy the Earth, they still can cause damage, such as causing radio blackouts.If you are intrigued by these facts, you may look into our other articles, such as solar cars and the Sun.Facts About Solar FlaresSolar flare, commonly referred to as a solar storm, has many key facts, but the most highlighted ones are mentioned below:Charging at 12.4-124.2 MIPS (20-2000 kmps), these particles are very hot, ranging from 10 to 20 million Kelvin.As stated by NASA, a single solar flare can start with an explosion nearly equal to millions of nuclear bombs together on the surface of the Sun.They can cause serious damage to electronics. When these geomagnetic storms strike the Earth, they can knock off power grids and disrupt the signals of GPS.These geomagnetic storms can display an immense view of northern lights in the northern hemisphere.Judging by the speed of these solar storms, scientists can determine how much harm these flares can cause to the Earth.By their destruction energies, these flares are categorized into three different categories.The first category is X flare which includes the most powerful ones.The second category includes the less powerful, and the last category, called the C-flares, includes medium-sized flares.Many other interesting facts about these solar storms would amuse you and intrigue you to know more about them.Effects Of Solar FlaresA solar flare has strong effects on the Earth’s atmosphere.When a solar activity such as flare releases strong energy solar particles in the solar system, it can trigger a strong aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere. Although it is a very powerful solar activity, it still does not cause harm to the humans on Earth. On the contrary, when this solar storm hits the Earth’s surface, it can disturb the supply from power grids.It would be best to take precautionary measures when warnings are given out for these energy-filled particles released from the Sun. Our Earth protects us from the harmful chemicals emitted from these energy particles in the Sun flares. But recently, due to the damaging of ozone, these chemicals can reach us and penetrate our cells and cause harmful diseases such as skin cancer. If these solar protons have energy higher than 30 MeV, it can prove extremely hazardous for your health, so you need to follow the protocols to stay safe.The solar storm is the most powerful solar activity in the entire solar system.Causes Of Solar FlaresThe surface of the Sun contains electrically charged gases generating powerful areas of magnetic forces. These areas of powerful magnetic forces are called magnetic fields. The Sun’s surface has sunspots which are dark areas on the Sun. The cause behind their dark appearance is attributed to the sunspots being relatively cooler than other areas on the surface of the Sun.Flares are caused due to rearranging, angling, or crossing magnetic fields near the sunspots. These flares formed on the surface of the Sun can affect the Earth. Hence, scientists prefer to watch their activities close up.Last Solar Flare FactsThe recent solar storm hit Earth on September six, 2017. It was so intense that it disturbed the telecommunication signals for hours.A significant class flare hit the Earth’s atmosphere at 8 a.m. Due to the coincidence of hurricanes and solar storms together, radio blackouts were observed during the hectic time of hurricanes. Warnings of intense radio blackouts were issued in the sunlit areas of the Earth, including the Caribbean, where a hurricane was hitting. The flare of 2017 was the largest flare recorded since 2005. It was also the best-documented flare due to the advanced technology.Although it was unfortunate that a strong hurricane and a solar storm coincided on the same date, it caused problems for the amateur radio operators and caused hindrances in the rescue operations. The blackout was almost for more than six hours. According to a study, a French cargo plane lost ninety minutes of communication with its civil aviation. Another report issued by NOAA informed that high-frequency radios used by aviation, ham radio, maritime, and other emergency bands were unavailable for eight long hours.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 41 facts about solar flares for kids to understand the phenomena, then why not take a look at facts about the ring of fire or the effects of a solar eclipse on Earth?
Occurring several times during an 11-year-old solar cycle, solar flares hold immense energy in them.
