The flare - deemed an X8.7, with the X-class denoting the most intense flares possible - came from the same region that triggered the geomagnetic storm and stunning display of auroras, or Northern Lights, around the world.
Kaila Nichols and Taylor WardThe strongest solar flare of the current solar cycle occurred Tuesday afternoon.
"A flare is an eruption of energy from the Sun that generally lasts minutes to hours. Flares of this magnitude are not frequent," the center noted. However, due to the Sun's rotation, the sun spot in question is no longer directing this energy in the Earth's direction, which will minimize impacts.
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