Sun releases an M9.4 class flare

Image Caption: NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory or SDO, captured this image on the sun of an M9.4-class solare flare, which peaked at 8:30 pm EDT on Oct. 23, 2013.  The image displays light in the wavelenght of 131 Angstroms, which is good for viewing the intense heat of a solar flare and typically colored teal.  Credit: NASA/SDO

Yesterday evening the sun released a mid-level solar flare.  The flare emitted was a M 9.4 class flare, which falls in the higher range of M class flares.  These M class flares can cause brief blackouts at the polar regions.  It is important to note that although the sun has remained relatively quiet during its solar maximum that it is still active.