In the past 24 hours, the sun has emitted two M-class solar flares and one x-class flare. Among the levels used to classify solar flares, level x is the strongest, and level M is one level lower. The sun launched a moderate solar flare on May 4, US Eastern time, and peaked at 5 a.m. that day.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of the event through continuous observation. It is reported that this flare is classified as an M-class flare.
On May 3, the sun emitted a moderate solar flare, peaking at 8:19 p.m. This flare is classified as an M-class flare. M-class flare is one level lower than the most intense flare, i.e. x-class flare.
On May 3, the sun sent out a strong solar flare, which peaked at 9:25 a.m. This flare is classified as an x-class flare. Level X represents the most intense flare, and the numbers provide more information about its intensity.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Both flares and solar eruptions can affect radio communications, power grids and navigation signals. In addition, they pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
