What occurs during a solar flare?

During a solar flare, a brief but intense burst of radiation occurs associated with sunspots. When magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released, it results in the rapid release of energy. This phenomenon is characterized by the increased brightness of a specific area on the sun's surface, often linked to a sunspot cluster. Solar flares can emit light across the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays and ultraviolet radiation, and can influence space weather, affecting satellite operations and communications on Earth.

The other options describe different solar phenomena that do not accurately capture the nature of a solar flare. A solid mass forming on the sun's surface is not representative of the dynamic and explosive nature of a flare. A permanent change in solar structure suggests a lasting alteration, while solar flares are transient events. Meanwhile, a constant stream of solar winds refers to the continuous flow of charged particles from the sun, which is a distinct and ongoing process separate from the episodic bursts that characterize solar flares.