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solar flare
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Solar Flare
 sends atomic particles in enormous quantities and at great speed into the Solar System. Flares are associated with sunspots, areas on the surface of the Sun that are visibly darker and measurably much cooler. Like sunspots, therefore, flares fluctuate in number according to an apparent 11-year cycle.', copy:'(Image © National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce)'});)
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Brilliant eruption on the Sun above a sunspot, thought to be caused by release of magnetic energy. Flares reach maximum brightness within a few minutes, then fade away over about an hour. They eject a burst of atomic particles into space at up to 1,000 kps/600 mps. When these particles reach Earth they can cause radio blackouts, disruptions of the Earth's magnetic field, and auroras.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
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The arms depict the Carpathian Mountains which traverse the Slovak Republic. The flag uses the pan-Slav colours representing liberation from foreign domination. Effective date: 3 September 1992.
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