Independence Day Solar Fireworks
![Independence Day Solar Fireworks](https://media2.spaceref.com/news/2012/oo2300_946-710.jpg)
M5.3 class solar flare
NASA/AIA
This image, captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows the M5.3 class solar flare that peaked on July 4, 2012, at 5:55 AM EDT.
The flare is shown in the 131 Angstrom wavelength, a wavelength that is particularly good for capturing the radiation emitted from flares. The wavelength is typically colorized in teal as shown here. Image Credit: NASA/SDO/AIA/Helioviewer. Larger image.