Päikeseplekkidena

Päikeseplekkidena refers to solar flares, which are sudden, intense bursts of radiation directed out from the Sun's surface. These events occur in active regions around sunspots, which are temporary phenomena on the photosphere that appear darker than surrounding areas because they inhibit convection. Solar flares are a major release of magnetic energy stored in the Sun's atmosphere.

The energy released by solar flares can travel at the speed of light, reaching Earth in about eight minutes. This energy is primarily emitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays. Flares are also associated with the ejection of charged particles, such as protons and electrons, which can travel much slower.

When these particles reach Earth, they can interact with our planet's magnetosphere and atmosphere. This interaction can lead to various space weather phenomena. Auroras, the beautiful displays of light in the polar regions, are a common consequence of solar flares and the subsequent geomagnetic storms. However, more significant flares can disrupt radio communications, GPS navigation systems, and power grids. They can also pose a radiation hazard to astronauts in space and, in extreme cases, to passengers and crew on high-altitude aircraft. Scientists monitor solar activity, including sunspots and flares, to predict and mitigate the potential impacts of space weather on Earth.