Solar Flares Observed at NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory

On September 6th, 2017, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images that show two large solar flares. Solar flares are powerful eruptions that send a burst of radiation out into the solar system. The earth's atmosphere and magnetic field help shield us from harmful effects of this radiation. Sometimes, however, the solar flares can disrupt radio and other communications. They can also contribute to spectacular aurora events.