National Weather Service Glossary 'X'

X-Band

A frequency band of microwave radiation in which radars operate.

X-Ray Background

In solar-terrestrial terms, a daily average background X-ray flux in the 1 to 8 angstrom range. It is a midday minimum designed to reduce the effects of flares.

X-Ray Burst

In solar-terrestrial terms, a temporary enhancement of the X-ray emission of the sun. The time-intensity profile of soft X-ray bursts is similar to that of the H-alpha profile of an associated flare.

X-Ray Flare Class

In solar-terrestrial terms, rank of a flare based on its X-ray energy output. Flares are classified by the order of magnitude of the peak burst intensity (I) measured at the earth in the 1 to 8 angstrom band as follows:

Class	Intensity (in Watts/m²)
B	I < 10^-6
C	10^-6 <= I < 10^-5
M	10^-5 <= I < 10^-4
X	I >= 10^-4

X-Rays

Very energetic electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths intermediate between 0.01 and 10 nanometers (0.1-100 Angstroms) or between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation. Essentially all X-Rays from space are absorbed in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

XBT

Expendable Bathythermograph

XCITED

Excited

XCPT

Expecting

XPC

Expect

XSEC

Cross Section

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