What is a sudden eruption of energy on the Sun's surface known as?

A sudden eruption of energy on the Sun's surface is known as a solar flare. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that occur when magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released. This release of energy can produce a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, including X-rays and ultraviolet light, and can last anywhere from minutes to hours.

Solar flares are typically associated with sunspots, which are cooler, darker areas on the Sun's surface caused by magnetic activity. However, they are distinctly different phenomena. While coronal mass ejections involve the ejection of large amounts of plasma from the Sun's corona into space, solar flares are more localized and involve concentrated energy bursts. Solar wind, on the other hand, refers to the continuous stream of charged particles released from the Sun, which is not a sudden event but rather a constant flow. Understanding these different solar activities is important in the study of solar physics and their effects on space weather.