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| NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare—visible as the bright flash in the upper left—on October 31, 2024, showcasing extremely hot material in extreme ultraviolet light, colorized in red. |
The Sun unleashed a powerful solar flare on October 31, 2024, peaking at 5:20 p.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors solar activity, captured stunning images of the event. Classified as an X2.0 flare, this event is part of the most intense category of solar flares, with the number indicating its strength.
Solar flares are significant bursts of energy that can disrupt radio communications, impact electric power grids, and affect navigation signals. They also pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts operating outside of Earth’s protective atmosphere.
For updates on how this space weather might affect our planet, visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center at https://spaceweather.gov/, the official U.S. source for space weather forecasts and alerts. NASA plays a crucial role in monitoring solar activity and researching its effects on the Earth and its surrounding environment through a dedicated fleet of spacecraft.
