- A solar flare is a sudden and intense burst of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun’s atmosphere, caused by the rapid release of magnetic energy. They commonly occur near sunspots, where magnetic fields are highly active.
Layers of the Sun
- Photosphere
- The photosphere is an extremely uneven, bright outer layer of the Sun that emits most of the radiation.
- The temperature on the outer side of the photosphere is 6000°C.
- Chromosphere
- Above the photosphere is the chromosphere.
- It is a thin layer of burning gases.
- It is comparatively cooler — 4320°C
- Corona
- A corona is a distinctive atmosphere of plasma that surrounds the Sun and other celestial bodies.
- The Sun’s corona extends millions of kilometres into space and is most easily seen during a total solar eclipse.
- Solar wind is an outflow of gas from the corona.
Source: The Hindu