What are solar flares characterized by?

Solar flares are characterized by sudden eruptions of energy from the Sun's surface. These powerful bursts of radiation occur when the magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is released. This release can happen near sunspots and can result in a variety of effects, including the acceleration of particles and the emission of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays and ultraviolet light.

These flares are short-lived events, typically lasting from minutes to hours, and can be explosive in nature, releasing as much energy as billions of atomic bombs. The energy released during a solar flare can impact space weather, potentially disrupting satellite operations and communications on Earth. Understanding solar flares is crucial for predicting their effects on Earth and for studying the Sun's behavior and its influence on the solar system.