Flashes on the Sun Could Help Scientists Predict

Sunspot AR3664 Over 15 Earths Wide Unleashes Sun's Most Powerful Solar Flare Yet

NASA Releases Video of the Strongest Solar Flare Emitted by the Sun for Several Years

The Sun emitted three strong solar flares on May 5, 2024. The first flare peaked at 2:01 AM ET and was classified as an X2.2 flare. The second flare peaked at 3:30 PM ET and was classified as an X1.1 flare. The third flare peaked at 7:25 PM ET and was classified as an X9.3 flare. This was the strongest solar flare emitted by the Sun in several years.

Solar flares are sudden bursts of energy that are released by the Sun. They can range in size from small to large, and they can have a variety of effects on Earth. Small solar flares can cause radio blackouts and disrupt satellite communications. Large solar flares can cause power outages and damage electrical equipment.

The flares on May 5 were caused by a sunspot called AR3664. AR3664 is a large sunspot that is more than 15 Earths wide. It has been producing a number of strong solar flares in recent days.

Scientists are still studying the effects of the flares on May 5. However, they believe that the flares could help them to better predict future solar flares. Solar flares are a major source of space weather, and they can have a significant impact on Earth. By better predicting solar flares, scientists can help to mitigate their effects.