Two X Flares in Quick Succession

A powerful active region just rotating into view produced two X-class flares (the strongest category) about an hour apart on June 9, 2014. An X-2.3 flare peaked at 11:52 UT followed by an X-1.5 flare at 12:52 UT. This image shows the first of the two flares. The same active region produced another X class flare and a medium (M-class) flare the following day. Credit: NASA/Goddard/Solar Dynamics Observatory <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagram.com/nasagoddard?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>