Image of a Solar Prominence

 A solar prominence observed on 2 June 2015 at 13:51 UT (8:51 am CDT)

From time to time, tremendous explosions on the Sun known as solar flares happen and are classified as X-ray class B, C. M, or X according to their X-ray peak flux. Class B and C are minor flaring events, Class M are moderate, and anything above M6 is consider a major flare. X-class flares are the most powerful.

Note:  As of this entry (4 May 2018) the Sun was very quiet with no spots visible and very few filaments or prominences as the transition continued into the solar minimum period. For all of 2018, there was a total of 208 spotless days, or 57% of the total year. The below graphic, from www.spaceweather.com and NOAA shows where we are at and where we are headed in the solar cycle.

The number of spotless days per year increased to 274 in 2019 (75% of the year), then dropped to 192 days in 2020 (52%), and 50 days in 2021 (or 14%). From 1 January 2022 through June 2026, there had been 0 spotless days. Check out this website on more information about spotless solar days. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.

Solar Observation Sampler