FIRST TIME
**Solar Orbiter** spots a solar flare
11 March 2025
This dazzling solar flare was captured by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission on 30 September 2024. A solar flare is a tremendous explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in ‘twisted’ magnetic fields is suddenly released. In a matter of just a few minutes a solar flare heats material to many millions of degrees and produces bursts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.
A solar flare captured by Solar Orbiter instruments. Credit: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI Team.
Back to Top
ESA uses cookies to track visits to our website only, no personal information is collected. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more about our cookie policy.
Reject
Accept