NASA | Swift Catches Mega Flares from a Mini Star

The video discusses a significant flare detected by SWIFT from the red dwarf star DG CVN, located 60 light years away. DG CVN is a relatively unknown M class star with a luminosity and mass much smaller than the Sun. The largest solar flare recorded was an X-45, but DG CVN's flare was estimated to be an X-100,000, indicating its massive scale. This flare was part of a series lasting nearly 20 days. DG CVN is a young, rapidly rotating star, which contributes to its high activity levels. The video also explores the implications of such flares on planets orbiting red dwarfs, noting that these planets are more susceptible to stellar activity due to their proximity. This has potential implications for habitability, as many red dwarfs may host planets in habitable zones.

What is the classification of the star DG CVN?

• K class star

• G class star

• M class star

• A class star

How does the largest solar flare recorded on Earth compare to the flare observed on DG CVN?

• The solar flare was not recorded

• Both flares were of the same magnitude

• The solar flare was smaller

• The solar flare was larger

What is a key factor that contributes to the high activity levels of young stars like DG CVN?

• Proximity to Earth

• Large mass

• Rapid rotation

• High luminosity

Why are red dwarf stars of interest in the search for life?

• They are the closest stars to Earth

• They are the brightest stars

• They often have planets in the habitable zone

• They have a high number of planets

What risk do planets in the habitable zone of red dwarfs face?

• Being hit by stellar flares

• Having no atmosphere

• Being too cold for life

• Being too far from their star