Big Sunspot 1520 Releases X1.4 Class Flare

Video of flare using SDO AIA footage in 131(teal), 171(gold) and 335 (blue) angstrom wavelengths.

Video and 4k still of flare in 131 angstrom ultraviolet light.

Still of flare in 335 angstrom ultraviolet light.

This image combines two sets of observations of the sun at 10:45 AM EDT, July 12, 2012 from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to give an impression of what the sun looked like shortly before it unleashed an X-class flare beginning at 12:11 PM EDT. The image incorporates light in the 171 angstrom wavelength, which shows off giant loops of solar material overlying the middle of the sun over Active Region 1520 where the flare originated. The second set of observations is called a magnetogram, which highlights magnetic fields on the sun. Together these kinds of observations can help scientists understand the magnetic properties of the sun that lead to giant explosions like flares.

Medium-size crop of AIA 171 and HMI Magnetogram image.

HD-size crop of AIA 171 and HMI Magnetogram image.

SOHO LASCO C2 view of emerging CME. The white circle shows the position and size of the sun.