Explosions on the Sun

Wavelength of Solar Flares

• Solar flare explosions emit light in many different wavelengths. Although these explosions can at times be viewed with the naked eye, their most powerful wavelengths come from invisible x-rays and gamma rays. To take a picture of these phenomena, scientists need specialized camera equipment.

Fission and Fusion on the Sun

• Solar flares set off a cycle of both nuclear fission and fusion, sending some subatomic particles traveling at close to the speed of light. These explosions can cover an area within the solar atmosphere equivalent to many Earth-sized planets. They are the most energetic regular explosions in our solar system.

Stages of Solar Explosions

• The first stage of a solar explosion is called the precursor stage, in which magnetic energy is released. The second stage is called the impulsive stage, when protons and electrons are accelerated to over 1 megaelectronvolt. In this stage, radio waves, x-rays and gamma rays are emitted. In the third stage, those rays decay in the sun's atmosphere and are sent out into space.

Effects of Solar Flares on Earth

• A solar flare's radiation can reach the Earth in under 8 minutes. This radiation causes the Earth's upper atmosphere to become charged with either negative or positive energy, which can disrupt radio signals. Satellites can also be affected by these phenomena, and possibly even damaged by the high radiation levels. These flares often enhance the so-called Northern and Southern Lights by injecting highly-charged particles into the areas around the planet's magnetic poles.