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Solar Orbiter Captures Stunning Flare at Light Speed

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Solar Orbiter captured a powerful solar flare on September 30, 2024.
Scientists observed that the flare was triggered by weak disturbances in the Sun's magnetic field.
The flare's emissions accelerated particles to 40–50 percent of the speed of light.
Plasma blobs continued to rain down after the event.
Lead researcher Pradeep Chitta emphasized magnetic reconnection and high-resolution observations.

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Story summary

The Solar Orbiter captured a powerful solar flare on September 30, 2024.
Scientists observed that the flare was triggered by weak disturbances in the Sun's magnetic field.
The flare's emissions accelerated particles to 40–50 percent of the speed of light.
Plasma blobs continued to rain down after the event.
Lead researcher Pradeep Chitta emphasized magnetic reconnection and high-resolution observations.