Two Solar Flares Say Goodbye 2013 and Welcome 2014
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory caught some unique New Year's fireworks when the sun ushered out 2013 and welcomed 2014 with a pair of mid-level flares.
The first flare peaked at 4:58 p.m EST on Dec. 31. The second (above) peaked at 1:52 p.m. EST on Jan. 1. Both flares emerged from the same active region on the sun, AR1936.