Solar Flare Activity - Northern Lights Alaska

Current X-Ray Flux

Current Flux

Active Solar Regions

Regions with flare potential

Recent Flare Events

Understanding Solar Flares

Solar flares are sudden bursts of radiation from the Sun's surface, classified by their X-ray brightness. Large flares can trigger geomagnetic storms and enhance aurora activity.

Flare Classifications

A Background level (< 10⁻⁷ W/m²)

B Minor (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁶ W/m²)

C Small (10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁵ W/m²)

M Medium (10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴ W/m²)

X Large (≥ 10⁻⁴ W/m²)

Flares and Aurora

M-class and X-class flares can produce coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that reach Earth 1-3 days later, potentially triggering strong geomagnetic storms and spectacular aurora displays. However, not all flares produce CMEs, and CME direction matters—they must be Earth-directed to affect our planet.

X-Ray Flux (24-Hour History)

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