Flare Luminosity and the Relation to the Solar Wind and the Current Solar Minimum Conditions

Abstract: The Sun is an active and energetic star. From time to time, based on favorable magnetic structures, the Sun gives off bursts of energy in the form of particles and light. The light is commonly referred to as a solar flare, which is of great interest both scientifically as well as due to its relation to space weather. This project examined the luminosity in flares between Hinode's XRT, GOES and STEREO data to gain an understanding as to the energy budget of the flare as well as to the flare class that has already been used as a standard in space weather prediction. This is an important step to understanding the energy of the flare as well as the future of space weather prediction. It will be applicable to the soon to be launched SDO- AIA instrument which will observe the whole Sun full time.