Astronomers have just captured the highest resolution images of a solar flare ever recorded, offering unprecedented insights into how the sun works and potentially transforming space weather forecasting.

The shots were captured during the decay phase of an X1.3-class flare on August 8, 2024 when scientists captured dark coronal loop strands with unprecedented clarity, using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, built and operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO.)

Coronal loops are arc-shaped structures of plasma that follow the Sun's magnetic field lines. They often appear before solar flares, which occur when some of these magnetic lines twist and break, releasing a surge of energy. This energy release drives solar storms that can disrupt critical infrastructure on Earth.

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