Solar Flares and Solar WInds

In summary: Finally I got one! In summary, solar flares and solar winds are caused by the magnetic field of the sun.
  • #1
ubergewehr273
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How are solar flares and solar winds generated due to the magnetic field of the sun ?
Please elaborate and provide detailed explanation if possible.
 
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  • #3
Ashes Panigrahi said:
How are solar flares and solar winds generated due to the magnetic field of the sun ?
Please elaborate and provide detailed explanation if possible.
It's not well known, but the basic idea is that convection near the surface of the Sun "tangles up" the magnetic fields, which puts free energy into those fields, as evidenced by the presence of currents along the field lines. The free energy can be released when the currents are dissipated and the field returns to a less contorted state, and that can also lead to the ejection of gas and field energy into interplanetary space.
 
  • #4
It's a great time to study a giant magnetic filament with the prospect of the rare Hyder flare erupting from it.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE GIANT MAGNETIC SLINKY?:
A giant, slinky-shaped column of magnetism has formed on the sun, shown below in an extreme UV image from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. What's inside the curly column? Click on the image to find out:​
slinky_strip.jpg
It's a dark solar filament--essentially, a tendril of plasma more than 1,000,000 km long held suspended above the surface of the sun by magnetic forces. If the filament becomes unstable and erupts, it could hurl parts of itself into space. Pieces of the filament falling back to the solar surface would explode upon impact, creating one or more http://www.ips.gov.au/Educational/2/4/1.​
Astronomers with backyard solar telescopes are encouraged to monitor the structure as it turns toward Earth. A photogenic explosion may be in the offing. Solar flare alerts: text, voice
 
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  • #5
SUPER SOLAR FILAMENT: It is, arguably, the second biggest thing in the solar system. A filament of magnetism almost 1,000,000 km long is stretching across the face of the sun. Only the sun itself is bigger. Yesterday in the Canary Islands, Frank A. Rodriguez used a Lunt Solar Telescope to photograph the super structure:
filament_strip.jpg
This is a solar filament, a tendril of plasma held suspended above the surface of the sun by magnetic forces. Filaments appear on the sun all the time, but this one is unusually large, 5 to 10 times longer than ordinary filaments. If it becomes unstable and erupts, it could hurl parts of itself into space. Pieces of the filament falling back to the solar surface would explode upon impact, sparking a http://www.ips.gov.au/Educational/2/4/1.
Astronomers with backyard solar telescopes are encouraged to monitor the structure in the days ahead. A photogenic explosion may be in the offing.Solar flare alerts: text, voice
 
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  • #6
I have been promising myself a solar telescope for years with one of those very narrow band but adjustable filters
 
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1. What are solar flares?

Solar flares are bursts of radiation and energy from the sun's surface that are caused by sudden changes in the sun's magnetic field. They are the most powerful explosions in our solar system and can release energy equivalent to billions of nuclear bombs.

2. How do solar flares affect Earth?

Solar flares can have various impacts on Earth, including disrupting satellite communications and causing radio blackouts. They can also create beautiful auroras in the Earth's atmosphere. In extreme cases, solar flares can even pose a threat to astronauts and disrupt power grids on Earth.

3. What causes solar flares?

Solar flares are caused by the buildup and release of energy in the sun's magnetic field. When the magnetic field lines twist and tangle, the stored energy is suddenly released, resulting in a solar flare. The exact cause of this buildup and release of energy is still not fully understood by scientists.

4. What are solar winds?

Solar winds are streams of charged particles, mostly protons and electrons, that are constantly blowing from the sun's surface. These winds can travel at speeds of up to 900 km per second and can have a significant impact on the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

5. How do solar winds affect space exploration?

Solar winds can pose a risk to spacecraft and astronauts in space, as they can cause damage to electronic equipment and increase radiation exposure. However, solar winds can also be harnessed for space propulsion, as they can provide a constant source of energy for spacecraft and satellites.

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