Scientists are abuzz with excitement as a massive sunspot, almost five times the diameter of Earth, has appeared on the sun’s surface. This sunspot, known as AR3190, is so large that it can be seen with the naked eye, but caution is urged as looking directly at the sun without proper protection can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.
According to NASA, sunspots are dark areas on the sun’s surface caused by cooler temperatures and tangles, twists, and stretches in the sun’s magnetic fields. While this sunspot may be alarming in its size, experts say that it poses no danger to Earth. However, it does have the potential to explode, potentially causing a coronal mass ejection (CME).
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory has also captured images of the sunspot, and pictures of the massive black spot have been circulating widely on social media. Twitter user Girl In Space shared a photo of the sunspot with the caption, “One of the biggest sunspots in years (AR3190) (4 times wider than Earth) is crossing the solar disk–and you can see it with the naked eye. Be sure to use safe solar glasses to protect your eyes.”
One of the biggest sunspots in years (AR3190) (4 times wider than Earth) is crossing the solar disk–and you can see it with the naked eye.
— Girl In Space (@ExploreCosmos_) January 17, 2023
Be sure to use safe solar glasses to protect your eyes. 1/2
Img: Bum-Suk Yeom via https://t.co/B6qLHgazo3 pic.twitter.com/s9zuZIL3as
She goes on to explain that the sunspot has an unstable magnetic field which could lead to powerful solar flares, adding that any eruptions from the sunspot would have a significant impact on Earth due to its proximity.
While the appearance of this giant sunspot may be causing concern among scientists, it also offers a unique opportunity for them to study and learn more about our closest star. So, grab your eclipse glasses and take a look at this celestial phenomenon for yourself!