A, B, C, M, X – oops!
Those aren't the ABCs,
they're the categories used to measure the intensity of solar flares.
On October 3, 2024,
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this X9.0 flare.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of light from the Sun.
X-class is a classification saved for the most intense flares,
with less intense flares classified as A, B, C, or M.
Scientists observe these flares in various wavelengths to better understand how
the Sun releases material that can affect Earth and technology in space.
The wavelength seen here shows the hottest material in a solar flare.
When this Earth-directed flare occurred,
an eruption of electromagnetic radiation
blasted toward our planet resulting in radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean.
These blackouts affect high-frequency radio signals – aka
the ones often used by commercial airlines
and first responders, like FEMA.