Solar Flares

A solar flare is a giant explosion on the Sun. It happens when energy gets stored up in the Sun's magnetic field and then bursts out. Solar flares send out light, heat, and radiation. They can be so bright that they light up the Sun's surface. The biggest flares release as much energy as billions of bombs.

How Flares Work

The Sun has a strong magnetic field that twists and tangles. Sometimes the tangled field suddenly snaps. This releases a huge burst of energy. The energy heats gas on the Sun to millions of degrees. A flare can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Effects on Earth

Solar flares can affect Earth even though the Sun is 93 million miles away. They can mess up radio signals and GPS. Big flares can even damage satellites in orbit. But solar flares also cause beautiful auroras. The Sun has more flares during busy times called solar maximum.

Fun Facts

• A solar flare travels to Earth at the speed of light in about 8 minutes.
• The biggest flare ever recorded was in 2003.
• Flares are often seen near dark spots on the Sun called sunspots.

Did You Know?

In 1859, a huge solar flare called the Carrington Event caused telegraph wires around the world to spark and catch fire.