NASA | Scientists Answer Top Space Weather Questions, Part 1

The video explains how solar phenomena like solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar energetic particles affect Earth and other planets. It details the components of a solar storm, the nature of CMEs and solar flares, and the role of magnetic reconnection in these processes. The video also compares CMEs and flares, highlighting their differences and impacts.

What are the three main components of a solar storm?

• Solar winds, sunspots, and auroras

• Magnetic fields, plasma, and light

• Solar flares, CMEs, and solar energetic particles

• Heat waves, radiation, and magnetic storms

How does a solar flare primarily release energy?

• By converting magnetic energy into heat and light

• By absorbing solar winds

• By releasing gravitational energy

• By emitting sound waves

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?

• An eruption of plasma from the sun

• A release of solar wind

• A type of solar flare

• A sunspot formation

What process drives the formation of solar flares and CMEs?

• Nuclear fusion

• Magnetic reconnection

• Gravitational collapse

• Thermal convection

What happens during magnetic reconnection on the sun?

• Oppositely directed magnetic fields annihilate

• Plasma cools down

• Solar winds increase

• Magnetic fields are created