#PPOD: This Feb. 4, 2026, image from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captures a strong solar flare erupting. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that, along with other types of solar eruptions, can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The flare pictured was classified as an X4.2 flare. X-class flares are the most intense. Credit: NASA/SDO
