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| NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare—visible as a bright flash in the lower right—on October 7, 2024. The image highlights extremely hot material in flares using colorized extreme ultraviolet light in teal. |
On October 7, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. ET, the Sun unleashed a powerful solar flare classified as an X2.1 flare, one of the most intense types. This significant event was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors solar activity.
Solar flares are bursts of energy that can disrupt radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals, and they pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts in orbit. The X-class designation indicates the flare’s intensity, with the number providing further insight into its strength.
To understand how this space weather may impact Earth, visit the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center at spaceweather.gov, the official source for forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts related to solar activity. NASA collaborates closely with NOAA, employing a fleet of spacecraft to study the Sun, solar atmosphere, and the surrounding space environment.