In just 48 hours, this sunspot has quadrupled in size, showcasing its rapid development in a stunning movie released by Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
The footage reveals two primary dark cores within the sunspot. (Photo: Nasa)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 21, 2023 13:27 IST
As the Earth orbits the Sun, a colossal sunspot named AR3529 has captured the attention of astronomers and space weather experts.
In just 48 hours, this sunspot has quadrupled in size, showcasing its rapid development in a stunning video released by Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
The footage reveals two primary dark cores within the sunspot, each twice the size of our planet, making AR3529 a prominent feature even for amateur astronomers with solar filtered telescopes. Remarkably, it can also be observed without any magnification, simply by using eclipse glasses.
WATCH SUNSPOTS SEEN ON THE SUN
The growth of AR3529 is not only a visual spectacle but also a cause for potential concern. The sunspot harbors a volatile 'delta-class' magnetic field, where positive and negative magnetic polarities are in close proximity, creating a highly unstable environment.
This tension could lead to magnetic reconnection, a process that has the power to unleash an X-class solar flare, the most intense category of solar flares.
X-class flares are known for their capacity to disrupt satellite communications, affect GPS navigation, and even cause power grid failures on Earth. Given that AR3529 is nearly directly facing our planet, any solar eruptions from this region would be Earth-directed, heightening the risk of geomagnetic storms and associated impacts on technology and infrastructure.
Scientists and space weather forecasters are closely monitoring AR3529 as it continues to evolve. The potential for significant solar activity underscores the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of our closest star.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Dec 21, 2023
English (US) ·