Stellar flare

A stellar flare is a sudden release of magnetic energy in a star’s atmosphere, producing a rapid increase in radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Magnetic reconnection: A process in which magnetic field lines rearrange and release stored magnetic energy. It is the principal mechanism that powers stellar flares.
Flare star: A star whose brightness is marked by frequent or pronounced flares. Repeated flaring makes these stars natural laboratories for stellar activity.
Starspot: A comparatively cool, dark region on a star’s visible surface caused by concentrated magnetic fields. Starspots persist and dim a star, unlike the sudden brightening of a flare.
Space weather: The changing conditions in space driven mainly by stellar activity and its effects on plasma and radiation. Flares are one source of bursts of radiation and energetic particles in space.
Stellar magnetic field: The magnetic field generated by a star’s internal motions and circulating plasma. Its stressed, tangled structure stores the energy released in a flare.
Proxima Centauri: The nearest known star to the Sun, a red dwarf in the Alpha Centauri system. Its powerful flares provide a prominent case for studying nearby stellar activity.
Stellar pulsation: A periodic expansion and contraction of a star that changes its brightness and spectrum. Pulsations repeat regularly, while flares are abrupt, irregular energy releases.
Stellar energetic particle: A charged particle accelerated to high energy by activity on a star. Flares can accelerate particles that travel through surrounding planetary systems.
Stellar corona: The hot, tenuous outer atmosphere of a star. Flares heat coronal plasma and often become especially conspicuous there.
Kepler space telescope: A NASA space telescope that measured stellar brightness to detect exoplanets and stellar variability. Its long, precise light curves revealed flares across many stars.

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