Solar flare erupts, creating spectacular images

[June 08, 2011]  GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A medium-sized solar flare has erupted from the sun in an impressive display captured by NASA cameras. Scientists say that the event won't have a significant impact on Earth.

NASA says the flare peaked Tuesday and created a large cloud that appeared to cover almost half the surface of the sun. Images were recorded by the orbiting satellite called the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

A news release says solar energy released by the event should deliver a "glancing blow" to Earth's magnetic field on Wednesday or Thursday.

But it's not expected to cause a major impact here. The National Weather Service is predicting minor effects on satellites and weak impacts on some power grids.

[Associated Press]

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