Flaring

Flaring is the act of releasing energy, light, or gas in the form of a visible flame or bright emission. The term is used across disciplines to describe both intentional releases and incidental intensifications, and to denote sudden changes in activity or symptoms.

In astrophysics, flares are sudden, intense bursts of radiation from a star or other astronomical object, most notably solar flares from the Sun. They result from rapid release of magnetic energy in the stellar atmosphere, accelerating particles and emitting across a broad spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays. Flares can impact space weather, potentially affecting satellites, communications, and power systems on Earth.

In industry, gas flaring refers to the combustion of natural gas that cannot be economically captured or processed at oil and gas facilities. While flaring reduces methane release by burning it to carbon dioxide, it represents energy waste and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Many jurisdictions regulate flaring to minimize environmental impact and often promote gas capture, reinjection, or more efficient processing technologies.

In medicine and health, a flare (or flare-up) describes a temporary worsening of disease activity, such as increased joint pain in autoimmune conditions or heightened skin symptoms in dermatologic diseases. Flares can be triggered by infection, stress, medication changes, or other environmental factors, and management typically involves symptom control and adjustments to treatment.

Across contexts, flaring is a term that captures rapid, sometimes energy-intensive changes, with implications for safety, environment, and health.