Solar flares are classified using the X-ray brightness (
see an explanation here), and "X class" flares are the strongest. The sunspot and magnetic active region complex that produced many M-class and X-class flares last month is back, and the
EVE "flare-ometer" is hitting the red zone again.
EVE measures irradiance in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV), which are wavelengths slightly less energetic than X-rays. EUV variations in flux have a direct impact on the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere, so EVE's measurements are essential for space weather forecasts.
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