How Big are Solar Flares' Eruptions?

When a rather large-sized (M 3.6 class) flare occurred near the edge of the Sun, it blew out a gorgeous, waving mass of erupting plasma that swirled and twisted over a 90-minute period (Feb. 24, 2011). This event was captured in extreme ultraviolet light by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft . Some of the material blew out into space and other portions fell back to the surface. Because SDO images are super-HD, we can zoom in on the action and still see exquisite details. And using a cadence of a frame taken every 24 seconds, the sense of motion is, by all appearances, seamless. Sit back and enjoy the jaw-dropping solar show.

"This particular eruption was not directed toward Earth. If it were, the material released and its imprinted magnetic field might have triggered a geomagnetic storm, with bright auroras and the potential for disturbance in communications and electrical power networks."

For further information about the February 24, 2011 event featured in this video see this page.