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SolarFlare
/ˈsoʊlər fleɪr/
sudden burst of solar energy
The satellite detected a massive solar flare erupting from the sun's surface.
The satellite observed a sudden, powerful release of solar energy.
technical
A sudden, intense burst of energy and radiation from the sun's surface, often associated with sunspots and solar activity.
During the solar flare, radio communications on Earth were temporarily disrupted.
The intense radiation from the solar flare interfered with radio signals.
Scientists monitor solar flares to predict their impact on satellites and power grids.
Researchers track solar flares to anticipate potential damage to technology.
Solar flares are classified by their X-ray brightness into categories: A, B, C, M, and X, with X-class being the most powerful.
Collocations
solar flare eruptionthe moment a solar flare releases energyX-class solar flarethe most intense category of solar flaresolar flare warningan alert about an impending solar flare
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Pro Tip
Distinguish from CMEs
Remember: A solar flare is a sudden burst of light and energy, while a coronal mass ejection (CME) is a slower-moving cloud of plasma. Both can disrupt technology but on different timescales.
Gold Rule
Solar flare impact
Solar flares can disrupt radio communications, damage satellites, and even affect power grids on Earth, especially during strong events.
Word Origin
Compound of 'solar' (from Latin *solaris*, meaning 'of the sun') and 'flare' (from Old English *flear*, meaning 'a sudden burst of light or flame'). The term emerged in the early 20th century as astronomers observed and documented solar activity.
Usage Notes
Solar flares are often confused with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), but they are distinct phenomena. A solar flare is a sudden flash of light, while a CME is a massive bubble of plasma ejected from the sun.
Word Breakdown
solar
relating to the sun
rootflare
a sudden burst of light or flame
rootEnglish Dictionary