Space Regulatory Glossary Industry

solar flare

noun

1. A sudden, intense burst of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun's surface, caused by the release of magnetic energy stored in the solar atmosphere. Flares are classified by peak X-ray flux: C-class (minor), M-class (moderate), and X-class (major).
2. Solar flares can cause radio blackouts on Earth's dayside within minutes of eruption, disrupting HF communications and degrading GPS accuracy. The strongest X-class flares pose direct risks to satellite electronics and crew radiation exposure.

Related terms

space weather The variable conditions in the space environment between the Sun and Earth — including solar wind, energetic particles,… coronal mass ejection A large-scale expulsion of magnetized plasma from the Sun's corona into the solar wind. CMEs can carry billions of tons… radio blackout A temporary loss or degradation of high-frequency (HF) radio communications caused by enhanced ionization of Earth's…

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