MOSCOW, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Sun emitted a strong X-level solar flare on Monday, according to Russian solar researchers.
The X1.1 flare was recorded at 08:01 Moscow time (0501 GMT) and lasted about 15 minutes, the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences said in a statement.
The flare was short and impulsive, meaning it is unlikely to produce a strong plasma ejection toward Earth. Early images show some material moving upward, but experts say the chance of it affecting Earth from the observed angle is very low.
Researchers are now further checking whether any plasma was expelled and in which direction it may be moving.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. They are classified by their peak X-ray brightness into A, B, C, M, and X classes, with X being the most powerful. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. ■