Alexander Lewis
Mar 03, 2024
NASA researchers examining the sun have made a remarkable discovery: a vast cluster of sunspots located at the star's core, visible from an astounding distance of 90 million miles (148 million kilometres) away on Earth.
These sunspots, resembling mere specks from our perspective, are in reality colossal in size, comparable to entire planets, boasting formidable magnetic fields thousands of times more potent than Earth's. Their darker appearance stems from their significantly cooler temperatures compared to the sun's surrounding areas.
"If you have eclipse glasses and keen eyesight, you should be able to observe it without magnification," announced the US Space Agency on X, formerly known as Twitter. NASA, however, swiftly cautioned against direct observation of the sun without appropriate solar filters.
Numerous observers have already reported sightings of the new sunspot cluster, which typically persists for days or even weeks before dissipating. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory has been diligently monitoring the group, providing real-time images of our celestial neighbour.
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Similar to terrestrial storm seasons, the sun experiences cyclical weather patterns occurring approximately every 11 years. This cycle culminates in heightened solar activity, including intense bursts, with the current cycle reaching its zenith in March 2025.
Consequently, reports of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — expulsions of plasma from the sun's outer atmosphere — are increasingly prevalent. During the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, millions of Americans will have a rare opportunity to witness an intensified version of the sun's corona with the naked eye for a brief period.
Sunspots materialise in regions of the sun endowed with exceptionally robust magnetic fields. The intricate magnetic configurations near these sunspots can precipitate sudden solar flares, emitting torrents of radiation into space, potentially affecting Earth.
While scientists possess limited predictive capabilities regarding "space weather" phenomena, ongoing research endeavours aim to enhance our understanding of these violent solar outbursts and their potential repercussions on our planet.
Earth's resilient magnetic field and atmosphere collaborate to shield us from the brunt of solar emissions, analogous to an umbrella in a rainstorm, according to NASA.
However, space weather disturbances can induce disruptions to vital infrastructure, including power grids, internet connectivity, telecommunications, and GPS systems. Although rare, the effects can be profound, as evidenced by a 12-hour power outage across Quebec, Canada, triggered by a solar flare in March 1989, which also interfered with Radio Free Europe broadcasts.
For those contemplating sunspot observation, it is imperative to use reliable solar eclipse glasses to safeguard against the hazards of direct solar exposure. Without adequate protection, the retinas can suffer irreversible damage, leading to permanent vision impairment, as highlighted by Dr Ralph Chou, a renowned expert on solar eclipse filters.
