本集內容
What is a ‘solar flare’?
什麼是 “太陽耀斑”？
文字稿
Explosions on the Sun are the reason why we have the beautiful auroras and Northern Lights.
太陽上發生的爆發是我們能看到美麗的極光和北極光的原因。
But they can also send electromagnetic radiation that can affect technology and cause power cuts on Earth, and be harmful to astronauts in space.
但這些爆發也會釋放出電磁輻射，這些輻射會影響地球上技術設備的運行並導致停電，還會傷害太空中宇航員的身體健康。
Known as ‘solar flares’, they can reach Earth in just over eight minutes, in what we call ‘space weather’ or ‘solar storms’.
這些爆發被稱作 “太陽耀斑”，它們造成的影響可以在八分鐘多一點的時間內抵達地球，這一現象被叫做 “空間天氣” 或 “太陽風暴”。
In 2017, massive solar flares disrupted devices such as GPS navigation systems.
在2017年，大規模的太陽耀斑擾亂瞭諸如全球定位導航系統等設備的運行。
But why does this happen?
但是為什麼會發生這種現象呢？
The magnetic field at the Sun’s North and South Poles switch places, a process called ‘solar cycle’ that takes about 11 years.
太陽南極和北極的磁場會發生對調，這個被稱為 “太陽周期” 的變化過程需要大約 11 年完成一次。
The calm start of the cycle is called the ‘solar minimum’ – when the Sun has the least [number of] sunspots.
太陽周期的初始相對平靜，被稱為 “太陽極小期”，此時太陽上太陽黑子的數量最少。
But activity increases until peaks in the middle of the cycle, called ‘solar maximum’.
但太陽的活動會逐漸增加，直到在太陽周期的中間時達到頂峰，這一時期被稱為 “太陽極大期”。
That’s when the Sun has the most [number of] sunspots, areas where huge explosions of light and energy take place.
太陽極大期時，太陽上的太陽黑子數量最多。太陽黑子是太陽上大幅爆發出光和能量的位置。
Agencies like Nasa announced the solar maximum period in 2024.
諸如美國國傢航空航天局等部門曾發佈 2024 年是太陽極大期的消息。
But scientists say space weather can also occur at other times.
但科學傢表示，空間天氣也可能在太陽極大期之外出現。
免費試聽
填表領取25分鐘真人外師課＋英文程度分析
