Solar Flare classification origin
Solar Flare classification origin
Does anyone know the origin of the A, B, C, M, X classification system for solar flares? I'm curious as to why it jumps from C to M and then to X (instead of A, B, C, D, E, for example). I figured there might be a historical explanation, like with the OBAFGKM stellar classification system, but searching online I've so far come up empty-handed.
- neufer
- Vacationer at Tralfamadore
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Re: Solar Flare classification origin
Click to play embedded YouTube video.
The A, B, C's are mere child's play.
M & X are warnings
![Exclamation :!:](./images/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif)
The Roman numeral M is 1000 ... times stronger than an A class
![Question :?:](./images/smilies/icon_question.gif)
The Roman numeral X is 10 ... times stronger than an M class
![Question :?:](./images/smilies/icon_question.gif)
Art Neuendorffer
- Chris Peterson
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Re: Solar Flare classification origin
I think that A and B classes came later. The original classification (using peak x-ray flux) was C, M, X. Which, with 100, 1000, 10 doesn't quite fit the Roman numeral hypothesis. Compact, medium, extreme? Common, medium, x-ray? Not sure, and not obvious.
Chris
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Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
https://www.cloudbait.com
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Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
https://www.cloudbait.com