Solar Flares

Reshma

Could someone explain to me how solar flares occur? How do high incidence of solar flares on the sun's surface affect the Earth? I know tele-communications are affected during a solar storm. What are the possible consequences if the frequency of such solar winds are high?

Also, any useful links on this topic would be highly appreciated

chroot

Here's a good page from the people who run the SOHO solar observatory:

http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/

Flares can eject large masses of protons (ionized hydrogen atoms) toward the Earth. They interact with the magnetic field of the earth, and their movements create large amounts of interference -- broadband, high-amplitude electromagnetic noise. In addition, they strike satellites, penetrating into their microchips and memories, sometimes damaging the chips permanently.
A high frequency of dead satellites, thus an economic problem.

- Warren

turbo

In a solar mass ejection, every long conductor on Earth is susceptible to induced high currents. This includes not only power transmission lines, but also pipelines, railroad tracks, etc.

Reshma

Thanks for the replies everyone!