Solar flares are classified as C (low intensity), M (moderate intensity), and X (high intensity). Because solar flares and coronal mass ejections can cause magnetic storms in Earth's magnetosphere, SESC also reports on geospace conditions and the likelihood of a magnetic storm. Forecasters in the SESC monitor the near-Earth space environment. Solar flares produce vast amounts of X-rays and energetic protons which can be detected by NOAA satellites orbiting at geosynchronous altitudes and around the poles. Energetic particles from the Sun and energized plasma in Earth's radiation belt environment can cause damage to satellites.