On the fifth anniversary of NASA’s launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the agency has released a video showcasing the observatory’s most stunning images of the sun. The video includes footage of the best solar flares captured over the past five years.
One of the most recent solar flares occurred this week and was powerful enough to cause radio blackouts on Earth. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, showing a bright flash in the top right area of the sun. The flare was classified as an X1.0 flare, which is the most intense class of flares.
The flare reached its peak at 7:14 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2. It erupted from a sunspot that is seven times the width of Earth, according to Space.com. These flares have the ability to disrupt radio signals, resulting in radio blackouts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center reported that radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth’s atmosphere, causing a “deep shortwave radio blackout over western parts of the U.S. and the Pacific Ocean.” The blackout lasted approximately 30 minutes.
NOAA classifies radio blackouts using a five-level scale, ranging from “minor” to “extreme.” X-class flares like this one can cause either “strong” or “severe” disruptions.
Solar flares are formed when magnetic fields around sunspots become tangled, break, and then reconnect. In some cases, like with this flare, plumes of plasma can also be part of the process.
Solar activity, including these flares, has been increasing in recent months. The sun has been in Solar Cycle 25 since 2019, and at the beginning of the cycle, the National Weather Service predicted peak sunspot activity would occur in 2025, with overall activity being “fairly weak.” However, researchers have found that the cycle has ramped up much faster than originally predicted, with more sunspots and eruptions than experts had forecast.
As a result, it is possible that solar flares could continue to impact radio and internet communications, as well as disrupt satellite and radio navigation systems.
Kerry Breen, a news editor and reporter for CBS News, contributed to this report. Her reporting focuses on current events, breaking news, and substance use.
How has the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) helped scientists gain a better understanding of solar dynamics and behavior?
Namics Observatory captured the entire event, providing scientists with valuable data on the sun’s activity.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) was launched by NASA five years ago with the goal of studying the sun’s magnetic field and how it affects Earth. In celebration of its fifth anniversary, NASA has released a captivating video that showcases some of the most breathtaking images of the sun captured by the observatory.
The video features a compilation of the most stunning solar flares captured over the past five years. These incredible displays of energy demonstrate the sheer power and beauty of our closest star. From mesmerizing loops of plasma to intense bursts of light, the video offers a breathtaking view of the sun’s activity.
One particular solar flare that occurred just this week has grabbed the attention of scientists. This powerful flare was so intense that it caused radio blackouts here on Earth. However, thanks to the SDO, NASA was able to capture the entire event in high definition. This footage gives scientists a rare glimpse into the dynamics of these explosive events and provides crucial insights into the sun’s behavior.
Solar flares are eruptions of electromagnetic radiation from the sun’s surface. They are often associated with the release of massive amounts of energy and can cause disruptions to satellite communications, power grids, and even radio communications. By studying these flares, researchers hope to better understand the sun’s behavior, improve space weather prediction models, and mitigate potential risks associated with solar activity.
The SDO has been instrumental in monitoring solar activity and providing scientists with an unprecedented view of the sun. The observatory constantly captures images of the sun in multiple wavelengths, allowing scientists to study various aspects of its atmosphere and magnetic field.
Over the past five years, the SDO has revolutionized our understanding of the sun, providing crucial data that has helped scientists answer longstanding questions about solar dynamics. It has also allowed researchers to make significant advancements in the field of space weather forecasting, ultimately helping to protect Earth and our technology from the impact of solar storms.
As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, this video serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements and discoveries made possible by NASA’s dedication to exploring the wonders of our universe. The stunning footage captured by the SDO not only captures the imagination but also provides valuable insights into our nearest star and its impact on our planet.
Wow, the power of the sun never fails to amaze me! These stunning images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory perfectly capture the magnitude of solar flares and their impact on Earth. It’s incredible to think that something happening millions of miles away can disrupt our radio communications. Fascinating stuff!