NASA Captures Stunning Footage of Solar Flares on the Sun

In this video, NASA shares a stunning visual of active regions on the Sun - areas of intense magnetic activity characterized by increased sunspot activity, flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These regions are typically located near the solar equator and are linked to the Sun's 11-year solar cycle. The footage, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), also displays solar flares, intense bursts of energy released by the Sun. This video provides an in-depth look at the Sun's 11-year solar cycle, including the two phases: solar minimum and solar maximum. During the solar maximum, the Sun is more active and generates more sunspots, flares, and CMEs, which can disrupt Earth's magnetic field and impact satellite and power grid operations. Additionally, increased solar activity can cause auroras to occur at lower latitudes. In contrast, during the solar minimum, the Sun is less active and produces fewer sunspots, flares, and CMEs. The current solar cycle is 25 and the maximum of the cycle is expected in 2025. This video also highlights the importance of NASA's SDO in continuously observing the Sun's surface and atmosphere and how it helps scientists to improve our understanding of the Sun and its effects on the Earth. This information can be used to predict space weather events that can impact satellite and power grid operations and could also help in protecting astronauts from radiation hazards.