In this image a solar flare erupts from the Sun, releasing energy in the form of intense radiation (mostly x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, and gamma rays) and high-energy particles (electrons, protons, and atomic nuclei). Energy released by solar flares takes about 30 minutes to reach Earth and is potentially deadly to astronauts who have not taken proper precautions. For this reason, NASA carefully monitors solar flare activity when astronauts are in orbit. Solar flares can also create ΓÇ£magnetic stormsΓÇ¥ in the EarthΓÇÖs atmosphere, blocking out power and radio transmissions over a large area, and can set off spectacular displays in the sky, known as aurora borealis and aurora Australia, or the northern and southern lights.
