Päikeselõkked

Päikeselõkked is an Estonian term that translates to "solar flares" or "solar prominences." It refers to a sudden and intense burst of energy from the Sun's surface. These events are often associated with the Sun's magnetic field and can manifest in various ways, including bright flashes of light and the expulsion of plasma into space.

Solar flares release enormous amounts of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays. The most visible aspect of a solar flare is often the sudden brightening of a region on the Sun. These flares can last from minutes to hours.

Closely related to solar flares are solar prominences, which are large, bright features extending outward from the Sun's surface. Prominences are often shaped by the Sun's magnetic field and can be seen as loops or arcs of plasma. They can persist for days or weeks before eventually dissipating or erupting.

The energy released during solar flares and prominences can have significant effects on Earth and space weather. Particles and radiation ejected during these events can impact satellites, disrupt radio communications, and even pose a risk to astronauts. Understanding päikeselõkked is crucial for space exploration and for predicting and mitigating the effects of space weather. Scientists study these phenomena using various telescopes and instruments to gain insights into the Sun's activity and its influence on our solar system.