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Study Reveals Solar Flares Reach 60 Million Degrees

9/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A University of St Andrews study shows ions in solar flares can exceed 60 million degrees Celsius, significantly hotter than earlier estimates.
This discovery resolves a 50-year-old mystery about the broader spectral lines of solar flares, previously linked to turbulence.
Understanding solar flares is crucial for predicting space weather and safeguarding technology on Earth.

History

Historical Context

Launched in 1973, Skylab was the first U.S. space station, significantly advancing solar research by providing critical data on solar phenomena like flares. Recent findings from the University of St Andrews indicate that ions in solar flares can exceed 60 million degrees Celsius, enhancing our understanding of solar activity and its implications for space weather, which can disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth.

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Story summary

A University of St Andrews study shows ions in solar flares can exceed 60 million degrees Celsius, significantly hotter than earlier estimates.
This discovery resolves a 50-year-old mystery about the broader spectral lines of solar flares, previously linked to turbulence.
Understanding solar flares is crucial for predicting space weather and safeguarding technology on Earth.

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