superflare (IMAGE)

University of Washington

superflare

Caption

Small stars flare actively and expel particles that can alter and evaporate the atmospheres of planets in their orbit. New findings suggest that large superflares tend to originate at high latitudes, sparing planets that orbit around the stellar equator.

Credit

Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam/J. Fohlmeister

Usage Restrictions

Must include credit

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.