A solar flare, a sudden flash of brightness observed over the Sun's surface or the solar limb which is interpreted as a large energy release, recorded on August 31, 2012. Such flares are often, but not always, followed by a colossal coronal mass ejection; in this instance, the ejection traveled at over 900 miles (1,400 km) per second.Photo: Goddard Space Flight Center
 | This picture of the day has been featured on Portal:Solar System. |
 | This picture of the day has been featured on Portal:Outer space. |