Sun emits powerful solar flare, delays ISS resupply launch

The Sun emitted an X-class solar flare, the first of 2014, delaying the scheduled launch of an ISS resupply vehicle, according to NASA's NAS

The flare was seen rising in a video released by the SDO from one of the largest sunspot groups seen on the star's surface in a decade. The flare is not moving directly toward Earth, but it has formed a coronal mass ejection that will affect the atmosphere in the next few days.

The harmful radiation from the flare will be unable to penetrate Earth's atmosphere and affect people but it will affect GPS and communication signals. The flare could also result in aurora lights in northern U.S., which could extend further south.

The planned spacecraft launch from Wallops Island was postponed to Thursday over space radiation concerns. Officials also said the International Space Station, with six astronauts aboard, is at no risk presently.

[Washington Post] [SDO]