News Astronomy

The sun’s strongest flare in 11 years might help explain a solar paradox

Physicists will test why the biggest flashes tend to occur as a solar cycle ebbs

SDO image of sun

SPOT OF BOTHER  The same complicated sunspot spat out seven flares from September 4 to 10. This image shows in ultraviolet light the second-largest flare (bright flash at right), which was emitted on September 10.

SDO/GSFC/NASA

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

A series of rapid-fire solar flares is providing the first chance to test a new theory of why the sun releases its biggest outbursts when its activity is ramping down.