Space

Video: X-flare erupts on sun May 13

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May 13, 2013

A sunspot located behind the eastern limb of the sun erupted on May 13, 2013 at 02:17 UTC (May 12 at 9:17 p.m. CDT), producing an X1.7 solar flare that NASA says is the strongest so far this year. The site of the flare is not turned in Earth’s direction now, so its effects are not headed our way.

As the sun rotates, the blast site will turn our way in a few days, giving space weather forecasters a better view of the active region and letting them gauge the potential for additional powerful flares from the sun in the days ahead.

Bottom line: The sun emitted a powerful X1.7 solar flare on May 13 at 2:17 UTC. The effects of the flare are not headed in Earth’s direction.

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May 13, 2013

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.