(from New Thinking Allowed)
Solar flares eject ions, electrons, and atoms into space which reach the Earth and cause auroras and may disrupt communication. Solar flares tend to emanate from dark areas on the Sun known as sun spots. Sun spot numbers cycle on an 11-year period known as the solar cycle. This image was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, a satellite in geosynchronous orbit whose cameras are continuously pointed at the sun. An image of the earth has been added to reveal the enormity of the flare.

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center