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A, B, C, M, X – oops!

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Those aren't the ABCs,

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they're the categories used to measure
the intensity of solar flares.

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On October 3, 2024,

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NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory
captured this X9.0 flare.

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Solar flares are powerful
bursts of light from the Sun.

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X-class is a classification
saved for the most intense flares,

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with less intense flares
classified as A, B, C, or M.

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Scientists observe these flares in various
wavelengths to better understand how

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the Sun releases material that can affect
Earth and technology in space.

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The wavelength seen here shows
the hottest material in a solar flare.

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When this Earth-directed flare occurred,

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an eruption of
electromagnetic radiation

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blasted toward our planet resulting in
radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean.

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These blackouts affect high-frequency
radio signals – aka

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the ones often used by
commercial airlines

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and first responders, like FEMA.