LOS ANGELES, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:38 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, according to NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
The observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event.
This flare is classified as an X2.9 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts, according to NASA. ■
