What Are Sun Flares?
Sun flares, or solar flares, are sudden bursts of increased brightness on the Sun, usually observed near its surface and in close proximity to a sunspot group. They are caused by the release of magnetic energy and can also be associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
During these bursts, the Sun releases energy equivalent to millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs. A single flare can emit as much energy as a billion megatons of TNT!
Impact on Earth
When particularly strong, these solar flares can affect Earth's magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms which might disrupt GPS systems, communication satellites, and even the power grids. Auroras, beautiful light displays in the sky known as Northern and Southern Lights, are often visible at high latitudes as a result of solar activity.
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