solar flare

noun

, Astronomy.

1. flare ( def 22 ).

solar flare

noun

1. a brief powerful eruption of particles and intense electromagnetic radiation from the sun's surface, associated with sunspots and causing disturbances to radio communication on earth Sometimes shortened toflare See also solar wind

solar flare

1. A sudden eruption of hydrogen gas in the chromosphere of the Sun, usually associated with sunspots. Solar flares may last between several hours and several days, and have temperatures ranging from 20 to 100 million degrees K. The energy of a solar flare, which consists primarily of charged particles and x-rays, is comparable to tens of millions of hydrogen bombs, but is less than one-tenth the total energy emitted by the Sun every second. First observed in 1859, solar flares dramatically affect the Sun's weather and the solar wind, and are correlated with the appearance of auroras on the Earth.
2. See also prominence

Word History and Origins

Origin of solar flare¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Both are the result of magnetic activity on the sun, but a solar flare has more energy than a CME.

From The Daily Beast

In 1859, astronomer Richard Carrington observed a strong solar flare that was directed at the Earth.

From The Daily Beast

As Glinda, Chenoweth scorched the stage like a solar flare of comedic energy.

From The Daily Beast

Should a solar flare vibrate the interstellar plasma in the next few years, the tone would be higher still.

From The Daily Beast

If cheery people are seen as a ray of sunshine, then consider Kristin Chenoweth a blinding solar flare.

From The Daily Beast

What makes you so sure that means there's a solar flare coming?

From Project Gutenberg