Produced by: Tarun Mishra
A massive sunspot, AR3664, is returning to view from Earth's side and causing the entire sun to vibrate unusually, observed through advanced helioseismology techniques.
AR3664 is part of a colossal sunspot cluster, comparable in scale to multiple Earths, significantly impacting the sun's natural vibration patterns.
While sunspots are common in the sun's 11-year cycle, AR3664's immense size is exceptional, influencing the sun's vibrations.
AR3664 was responsible for the strongest solar storm in over 20 years, causing seven solar storms that hit Earth in early May.
Starting May 10, the solar storms triggered by AR3664 led to strong auroras in various parts of the world, including the rare occurrence in India.
Helioseismologists detected strange vibrations from AR3664 on the far side of the sun, providing insights into the sun's internal structure.
These vibrations are crucial as sunspots can cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially disrupting radio communications and satellite operations.
As the sun rotates, AR3664 will be visible from Earth within the next week, allowing better assessment of its potential impact on space weather.
With Solar Cycle 25 approaching its peak between January and October 2024, scientists are eager to study AR3664 directly to understand the interplay between sunspots, solar vibrations, and magnetic fields.