Recent images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded a huge plasma eruption called a coronal mass ejection shown in a kaleidoscope of wavelength colors on February 24th.
Given how powerful solar flares are, it is surprising our satellites and telecommunication systems are not disrupted more often. Recent images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded a huge plasma eruption called a coronal mass ejection shown in a kaleidoscope of wavelength colors on February 24th. Classified as an X4.9 solar flare, the shock waves were estimated to have an expansion velocity of 4.4 million miles per hour.
Tony Phillips from spaceweather.com notes that "This is the strongest flare of the year so far and one of the strongest of the current solar cycle."
Fortunately for Earthlings, it was not directed at us. Although this was one of the strongest eruptions in years, more could however be on the way. The area where the eruption took place will soon move into Earth’s view and the Sun is reportedly in an active phase of an 11 year cycle.
