Recent sun flare is biggest of 2013

NASA have revealed images of flares coming off the Sun earlier this week, with one being said to be 'X-class'

By Nicole Hamer |

12:29 15 May 2013

Flares from the Sun have been erupting earlier this week, with Sunday, 12^th May, and Monday, 13^thMay, being two days that saw two large flares.

 

On Monday, the biggest flare of 2013 was recorded as a X2.8-class, with the flare from the previous day being 1.7.

 

The images of these solar explosions have now been released by NASA.

 

Flares from the Sun relates to outbursts of radiation. It is understood this activity does not pose a threat to humans, as harmful radiation cannot penetrate the atmosphere surrounding planet Earth to reach us.

 

However, reportedly if strong enough things like GPS can be affected. This includes radio communications as well, which would be affected for the duration that the solar flare lasts.

 

It is understood the Sun is made up largely of hydrogen, but also with amounts of helium, among other chemicals. It is thought it was formed approximately 4.6billion years ago.