Newly captured image by NASA shows seven Earth-sized dark spots on the Sun

A recently acquired image from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory reveals seven Earth-sized dark spots on the Sun, forming what scientists term a ‘solar archipelago.’ This cluster of dark spots, or sunspots, spans over 200,000 kilometers, more than 15 times wider than Earth. Despite their cooler appearance, sunspots remain extremely hot at around 6,500 degrees Fahrenheit, and their presence affects the Sun’s overall vibrations.

Sunspots are known to emit powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs), capable of reaching Earth and causing geomagnetic storms. These storms pose potential threats to power grids, communications, GPS navigation, air travel, and satellites. While sunspots are visible indicators of such solar activity, dangerous space weather events can occur without apparent warning.

The current sunspot group, identified as AR3490, has already generated three M-class flares and nearly a dozen C-class flares, as observed by Earth-orbiting satellites. These flares are indicative of solar activity and can impact various technologies on our planet.

Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with peaks and lows known as solar maximum and solar minimum, respectively. We are presently in Solar Cycle 25, expected to reach a solar maximum around July 2025. However, this cycle has exhibited higher activity than anticipated by NASA and the NOAA, with around 115 sunspots predicted at its peak.

While scientists are uncertain about the reasons for the Sun’s increased activity, ongoing observations aim to enhance predictions and deepen understanding of the Sun’s internal processes. Notably, NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover, equipped with the Mastcam-Z camera system, captures daily images of the Sun. Although the primary goal is to assess dust levels in the Martian atmosphere, the rover’s camera also detects sunspots. Mars, orbiting the far side of the Sun, provides an early observation advantage over Earth.