Here are the answers to your key questions based on your prompts regarding space weather and solar flares:
-
When do solar flares happen on the sun's surface?
- Solar flares can happen at any time, but they are often associated with solar activity cycles, particularly during the peak of the solar cycle when the sun is more active.
-
M-class flares can cause brief radio blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms that might endanger astronauts.
-
A powerful X-class flare can create long-lasting radiation storms, which can harm satellites and even expose airline passengers flying near the poles to small doses of radiation.
-
X-class flares also have the potential to create global transmission problems and worldwide communication outages.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification!