As we approach the anticipated peak of Solar Cycle 25, the Sun’s recent behaviour is leaving a noticeable impact on space weather dynamics. On February 25, around 10:15 pm, Earth encountered a coronal mass ejection (CME), as reported by SpaceWeather.com. The good news is that the impact was relatively weak, causing no significant geomagnetic storm. This particular CME was unleashed into space on February 21, propelled by an erupting filament of magnetism in the Sun’s northern hemisphere.
Meanwhile, a celestial giant is making waves in the solar neighborhood. Giant Sunspot AR3590 has been expanding steadily, capturing the attention of astronomers and space weather forecasters alike. According to reports, a two-day movie from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory vividly illustrates the sunspot’s remarkable growth, increasing its area by a quarter in just 48 hours. As of now, AR3590 proudly holds the title of the largest sunspot of Solar Cycle 25.
Sunspots are dark spots on the Sun’s surface caused by intense magnetic activity. Despite appearing darker, they are still incredibly hot. These spots result from twisted and tangled magnetic field lines on the Sun, which inhibit the normal flow of heat. Sunspots are often associated with solar flares and CMEs, powerful releases of energy and matter. The Sun goes through an 11-year solar cycle, during which the number of sunspots fluctuates, impacting solar activity. Scientists monitor sunspots using telescopes and spacecraft to understand the Sun’s behavior and predict potential effects on space weather, such as impacts on communication systems and satellites.
Last week, AR3590 demonstrated its might by unleashing three powerful X-class solar flares in rapid succession, including the most potent flare recorded during the ongoing solar cycle at X6.3. However, concerns are now rising that the AR3590 might be gearing up for another significant X-class flare.
The potential impact on Earth is a key area of focus for space weather forecasters, given AR3590’s current position directly facing our planet. If a powerful flare does occur, it would be geoeffective, meaning the ensuing solar storm would be aimed directly at Earth, potentially causing disruptions if intense enough.
This is why meticulous monitoring of AR3590 is underway. Researchers at NorthWest Research Associates (NWRA) are using information from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to analyze small signals in the Sun’s upper atmosphere, known as the corona. These signals play a crucial role in identifying areas on the Sun more likely to produce solar flares, offering valuable insights for forecasting space weather and mitigating potential disruptions on Earth.
Moreover, AR3590, in its current expansive state, is 60 per cent as large by surface area as the notorious sunspot responsible for the Carrington Event in September 1859. This historical event, named after astronomer Richard Carrington, was marked by an intense solar storm that caused significant disruptions, even with the technological limitations of the 19th century.
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