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.

Why are red dwarf stars of interest in the study of flares?

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What potential risks do planets orbiting red dwarf stars face during flare events?

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