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Buildup of Energy
The primary cause of a solar flare is the sun's magnetism. Solar plasma -- which consists of protons and electrons at high temperatures, as well as gaseous particles like helium -- becomes trapped in the sun's strong magnetic fields. This combination of magnetic fields and solar plasma flows around the sun's equator and becomes distorted or twisted, leading to a buildup of magnetic energy.
Release of Energy
Eventually, the tension that builds up between magnetic fields on the solar surface is released in an explosive burst of energy. As a result, particles and radiation hurtle through space and react with magnetic fields in the Earth's atmosphere, causing a magnetic storm. A solar flare may last several minutes, or several hours. Although the typical temperature of the sun's surface is a few million degrees Kelvin, the temperature of a solar flare can reach 100 million degrees Kelvin.
Flare Stages
Solar flares occur in three stages. The precursor stage is characterized by a sudden release of magnetic energy, accompanied by a burst of "soft" x-rays, which are x-rays with relatively low energy levels. During the impulsive stage, radio waves, hard x-rays and gamma rays erupt from the sun. The power emitted during this stage can reach as high as 1 million electron volts. The final phase of a solar flare is the decay stage, in which soft x-rays build up and then deteriorate.
Effects
Although the power released by a single solar flare is equivalent to millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs, the consequences on Earth are relatively minor due to the atmosphere's protective effects. When a solar flare reaches Earth, its energy moves toward Earth's magnetic poles, causing auroral displays. Flares can also damage satellites, and pose a radiation hazard to astronauts and airline pilots. A severe solar flare can disrupt telecommunications on Earth, and may even produce electrical blackouts.