päikesepurset

Päikesepurse is the Estonian term for a solar flare. A solar flare is a sudden, intense release of energy from the Sun's surface. These events are a common occurrence in the Sun's atmosphere, particularly in areas of strong magnetic activity known as sunspots. When magnetic field lines in these regions become twisted and stressed, they can snap and reconnect, releasing a burst of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles.

The radiation from a solar flare travels at the speed of light and can reach Earth in about eight minutes. This radiation can include X-rays and ultraviolet light, which can affect radio communications and satellite operations. The charged particles, often referred to as a solar energetic particle event, travel more slowly but can also pose a risk to astronauts and electronic systems.

The intensity of solar flares varies significantly. They are classified using a letter system (A, B, C, M, X) based on their peak X-ray flux, with X-class flares being the most powerful. While most solar flares have little to no noticeable effect on Earth, powerful flares can cause geomagnetic storms. These storms can disrupt power grids, affect navigation systems like GPS, and create spectacular auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual. Scientists monitor solar activity closely to predict and understand the impact of these powerful solar events.