Solar Flares: Fire Loops in the Corona

In summary, solar flares are powerful bursts of energy released from the sun's surface, caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy. They are formed when the sun's magnetic field becomes twisted and tangled, and can affect Earth in various ways, such as disrupting communications and causing auroras. Scientists study and monitor solar flares using instruments and telescopes on Earth and in space, as well as computer models to better understand and predict these events.
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Above the photosphere is the chromosphere and above that, the corona. Sometimes our sun sends out big, bright fire loops reaching high up into the corona. What is this called?
 
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  • #2
I believe they are called solar flares.

didiwindidiwindidiwin?
 
  • #3
I believe the official, technical term is: loopy sun beams.
 
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Prominences?
 
  • #5
coronal loops
 
  • #6
Aurora Borealis
 
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magnetic loops
 
  • #8
Claude Bile gets the point!
 

1. What are solar flares?

Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that are released from the sun's surface. They are caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy in the sun's atmosphere, and can result in dramatic changes in the sun's brightness and temperature.

2. How are solar flares formed?

Solar flares are formed when the sun's magnetic field becomes twisted and tangled. This can happen due to the sun's rotation or interactions with other magnetic fields on the sun's surface. The build-up of energy can eventually be released in the form of a solar flare.

3. What is the corona?

The corona is the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere. It is made up of extremely hot plasma and is only visible during a total solar eclipse or with special equipment. The corona is where solar flares occur and is responsible for producing the beautiful fire loops that we see during these events.

4. How do solar flares affect Earth?

Solar flares can have a variety of effects on Earth. They can disrupt radio communications and satellite operations, cause power outages, and even affect the Earth's magnetic field. In extreme cases, solar flares can also produce stunning auroras in the Earth's atmosphere.

5. How are solar flares studied and monitored?

Solar flares are studied by scientists using various instruments and telescopes, both on Earth and in space. These instruments can detect changes in the sun's activity and measure the energy released during a solar flare. Scientists also use computer models to simulate and predict solar flares, allowing for better monitoring and understanding of these events.

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