SDO Observes Significant M9-Class Solar Flare on October 20, 2012

On October 20, 2012, at 2:14 p.m. EDT, the Sun emitted a significant solar flare, peaking at M9-class intensity. This event was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in multiple wavelengths, providing detailed observations of the flare’s dynamics. The flare originated from an active region on the Sun’s left limb, which was rotating into Earth’s view at the time. M-class flares are medium-sized; an M9 flare is on the higher end of this category, capable of causing brief radio blackouts in Earth’s polar regions and minor radiation storms. This particular flare caused a temporary R2-level radio blackout, which has since subsided. The event underscores the importance of monitoring solar activity, especially as the Sun approaches its solar maximum, a period of heightened activity in its 11-year cycle.