On February 22, 2024, the Sun emitted an extremely powerful solar flare, classified as an X6.3 flare by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
This was the strongest solar flare observed in the last 6 years and the third significant flare within a 24 hour period, preceded by X1.8 and X1.7 flares on February 21-22.
X-class flares are the most intense type of solar flares on the scale used by NASA to classify flare strength based on X-ray brightness. The numerical value provides more detail on the flare’s intensity.
Solar flares occur when magnetic energy stored in the Sun’s atmosphere is suddenly released. They can emit radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory monitors the Sun continuously from its orbit, providing insights into solar activity like flares and their impacts on space weather and Earth.
Powerful flares like this X6.3 can disturbances Earth’s atmosphere and affect technologies relying on the space environment like communications, navigation and power grids.
Source: SciTechDaily (https://scitechdaily.com/fury-unleashed-sun-emits-monumental-x6-3-flare-the-strongest-in-6-years/)
