NASA sees activity continue on the sun

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of the X1.2 class solar flare on May 14, 2013. The image show light with a wavelength of 304 angstroms. Credit: NASA/SDO <br>

This flare is classified as an X1.2 flare and it is the 18th X-class flare of the current solar cycle. The flare caused a radio blackout – categorized as an R3, or strong, on NOAA’s space weather scales from R1 to R5 — which has since subsided.

The flare was also associated with a non-Earth-directed CME. CMEs and flares are separate but related solar phenomena: solar flares are powerful bursts that send light and radiation into space; CMEs erupt with billions of tons of solar material. They often, but do not always, occur together.

Any time we can see a solar flare from Earth’s view, than at least some of its light and radiation must be directed at Earth. CMEs on the other hand may or may not be Earth directed. NASA observes CMEs, however, even when they are not traveling toward Earth, because they may impact spacecraft.

Experimental NASA research models show that this CME left the sun at around 745 miles per second, beginning at 10:18 p.m. EDT. It is not Earth-directed, however it may pass the Spitzer and Epoxi orbits, and their mission operators have been notified. If warranted, operators can put spacecraft into safe mode to protect the instruments from solar material.

Updates will be posted as necessary.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (http://swpc.noaa.gov) is the U.S. government's official source for space weather forecasts, alerts, watches and warnings.

Karen C. Fox
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Media Contact

Karen C. Fox EurekAlert!

All latest news from the category: Physics and Astronomy

This area deals with the fundamental laws and building blocks of nature and how they interact, the properties and the behavior of matter, and research into space and time and their structures.

innovations-report provides in-depth reports and articles on subjects such as astrophysics, laser technologies, nuclear, quantum, particle and solid-state physics, nanotechnologies, planetary research and findings (Mars, Venus) and developments related to the Hubble Telescope.

Back to home

Comments (0)

Write a comment

Newest articles

Cancer predisposition syndromes in children and adolescents.

Decoding Cancer: 40 Years of Breakthroughs in Genetic Research

Cancer in children and adolescents is rare. Nevertheless, malignant diseases are still one of the most common causes of death in this age group. Survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer…

Brain structure differences in adolescents at risk of early substance initiation

Let’s Think Before the First Drink: How Early Substance Use Might Lead to Brain Structure Differences Among Adolescents

Many differences appeared to exist prior to any substance use, pointing to the role brain structure may play in substance use risk, NIH-supported study suggests. Studies reveal factors that expose…

Innovative immunotherapy strategies for improving kidney cancer detection and treatment.

Combating Kidney Cancer Using Enhanced Immunotherapies

Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center researcher receives Department of Defense Early Career Scholar Award to improve immune therapies by targeting resistant kidney tumors. A Medical University of…