2023-05-25 07:58:00
A new sunspot appeared on the surface of the closest star to our planet, and its dimensions make it perceptible a simple vista. The black spot looks towards Earth, which is why specialists say that there is a 20 percent chance it will release “a powerful X-class flare that could cause blackouts across the globe”.
These regions of the sun appear darker because they are cooler than their surroundings. The central dark region, the umbra, is about 3,500 degrees Celsius, while the surrounding photosphere is about 5,500 degrees Celsius. The danger is that they can generate eruptive disturbances, such as coronal mass ejections.
The new black spot, which received the name ar3310, recently launched an M-1 solar flare, a massive explosion made of photons, particles of electromagnetic radiation. The M-1 flare is classified as the second highest type of solar flare, but soon it could launch a much more powerful one.
NASA discovered a new coronal hole in the Sun, which could generate geomagnetic storms
Coronal mass ejections are very dangerous, because if they reach Earth and its magnetic field is oriented to the south, can damage electrical circuits, transformers and communication systems, as well as reduce the Earth’s magnetic field for a period.
The largest events, called X1 and can be up to 10 times the size of Earth, can produce as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs. “The largest X-class flares are by far the largest explosions in the solar system, and they are amazing to see,” NASA said.
sunspot visibility
Being a new event that no telescope requiredastronomers encourage the public to look at the distinguishable point, but only with sunglasses that protect from harmful ultraviolet rays. There are some specialists who have acknowledged having looked directly at the Sun without any type of protection, but only because a series of forest fires were taking place near them. The smoke was what helped create a protective layer in the air that prevented permanent damage to their retinas.
The effect of ultraviolet light from the Sun on the retina of the eye can cause irreparable damage, a photochemical injury, a burn. The first symptoms that may appear are a sensation of discomfort to light, blurred vision, changes in vision, especially the central one and, depending on the degree of burn, this injury can be temporary or permanent.
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