A huge sunspotidentified as AR 4079has captured the attention of astronomers around the world due to their current size and location on the surface of the Sun. This active region, which measures approximately 87 thousand miles wideis close to 10 times bigger than Earth and is currently aligned directly towards our planet.
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NASA experts warn about their potential
Brenda Culbertson, Ambassador of the solar system of jet propulsion laboratory (JPL)he explained in an interview with the medium 27 News that the energy of the sunches ar 4079 is considerably strong and that its location to the center of the solar face puts it in a critical position.
“The energy of 4079 is very strong, already closer to the center of the solar face, it faces the earth directly,” Culbertson said.
If this active region would produce a Great intensity solar flarescould generate a geomagnetic torce By directly impacting the Earth with particles and solar energy.
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What is a geomagnetic storm and what effects can it have?
He space Climate Prediction Center (SWPC) of the Oceanic and Atmospheric National Administration (NOAA) defines geomagnetic storms as significant alterations in the terrestrial magnetosphere. These phenomena can cause from Visible northern lights in unusual areasuntil interference in technological systems as:
- Electrical networks
- Communication satellites
- GPS Navigation Systems
- High frequency telecommunications
Sun spots such as AR 4079 can produce coronal mass ejections (CME)that launch large amounts of solar particles into space. If these particles reach the earth, the effects can be severe.
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The precedent of the Carrington event
Culbertson recalled that one of the largest sun spots was responsible for the Evento Carringtonoccurred between September 2 and 3, 1859. On that occasion, the generated geomagnetic storm was so intense that Northern Auroras were visible worldwidetelegraph networks were interrupted and, in some cases, fires were produced in stations.
“Sunspot 4079 covers approximately half of the area caused by the Carrington event, so we do not expect anything very disturbing of him,” Culbertson said.
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Is there immediate risk for the earth?
At the moment, scientists They do not anticipate serious consequencesalthough they continue to closely observe the evolution of the solar stain AR 4079. of a significant solar eruption, the SWPC would emit a geomagnetic storm alertwith a classification of G1 a G5 to warn about the intensity of the phenomenon.
Possible effects include:
- Spectacular northern lights In lower latitudes
- Navigation systems failures and telecommunications
- Interruptions in electrical networks
- Satellite damage In orbit
Scientists also warn that sunny stain could be dissipated without major consequences, although The space climate is unpredictableand just one eruption to alter the panorama.
For now, AR 4079 remains a Inactive solar structurebut their size and guidance make astronomers remain attentive. Any significant development will be informed by the space agencies in charge of solar monitoring.
