A solar region of huge size has captured the attention of scientists around the world. It is a spot on the surface of the sun that, due to its magnetic characteristics and its orientation, could trigger events capable of altering the functioning of technological systems on our planet.
Identified as AR 4079this structure is near Ecuador Solar and has a dimension that impresses: it measures approximately 140,000 kilometers in diameter, more than ten times the size of the earth. Although sunscreen are common during solar activity cycles, it is particularly presents a configuration that makes it especially dangerous.
Sunbies are colder areas compared to the rest of the sun, where the temperature can descend at about 3300 ° C compared to the usual 5000 C. This thermal difference is the product of intense magnetic fields that interfere with the transport of energy from inside the star to its surface.
What makes Ar 4079 different is not its magnitude, but its category: it is a beta-gamma-of-ketch type, one of the most complex according to its magnetic structure. These types of formations can generate extreme phenomena such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CME), capable of directly impacting the earth if they are oriented towards us.
The sun, composed of highly energy plasma, generates intense magnetic movements as its internal layers rotate and stir. This behavior produces tangles in the lines of the solar magnetic field that derive in sun spots, visible as dark regions on its surface.
One of the greatest concerns of the specialists is that AR 4079 is directly positioned in front of the Earth. This means that, if there was a solar eruption or an important CME these days, radiation and charged particles would travel to our planet, with consequences ranging from spectacular polar auroras to the interruption of electrical networks, navigation systems and satellite communications.
X (@NASA)
Although in recent weeks the stain has already issued several m -class M flares, considered of medium intensity, a large size has not been detected so far. However, experts do not rule out that this may happen in the next few days.
The Earth’s magnetic field acts as a natural shield in front of this type of event, diverting much of the solar particles. But when the energy released by the sun is particularly intense, that barrier can penetrate, generating electromagnetic storms that put critical infrastructure at risk.
From NASA, Brenda Culbertson He explained that “the AR 4079 region concentrates considerable energy and is in a location that maximizes its influence on Earth. If an important eruption occurs while in that position, we could receive a direct impact of solar particles.”
The European space Agency (ESA) and other space agencies continue to study their evolution with tools such as the Orbiter solar probe, which provides key information on the behavior of the sun and the origin of the solar wind. For now, although a catastrophic eruption has not registered, scientists follow the changes in the arg of AR 4079, since their activity could suddenly climb.
Some astronomers suggest that the stain could be starting a weakening phase. If its magnetic complexity decreases, the chances of it to issue a significant solar eruption will be reduced. However, in the case of solar phenomena, uncertainty is high and any prediction should be taken with caution.
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