zonnervlam

Zonnervlam is the Dutch word for solar flare. A solar flare is a sudden, intense burst of radiation energy from the release of magnetic energy associated with the Sun's magnetic field. These flares are seen as sudden increases in brightness in the Sun's atmosphere, particularly in the chromosphere, and are accompanied by a broad range of electromagnetic radiation. They can be observed across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Solar flares are often associated with other solar phenomena, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. While flares and CMEs are related, they are not the same event. Flares are primarily bursts of electromagnetic radiation, while CMEs involve the physical ejection of matter.

The intensity of solar flares is categorized using a letter system: A, B, C, M, and X, with X being the most powerful. Each letter represents a tenfold increase in energy output, and within each letter class, there is a scale from 1 to 9 (e.g., X1, X2, etc.). Flares can have significant impacts on Earth. They can disrupt radio communications, GPS navigation, and power grids. The charged particles released during flares and CMEs can also pose a radiation hazard to astronauts in space and to passengers and crew on high-altitude flights. Scientists monitor solar activity closely to predict and mitigate the effects of these events.