solar flare

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solar flare Sudden and violent release of matter and energy from the Sun's surface, usually from the region of an active group of sunspots. Flares emit radiation right across the electromagnetic spectrum. Particles are emitted, mostly electrons and protons and smaller numbers of neutrons and atomic nuclei. A flare can cause material to be ejected in bulk in the form of prominences. When energetic particles from flares reach the Earth, they may cause radio interference, magnetic storms and more intense aurorae. See also electromagnetic radiation

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