Largest sunspot of 2025 observed from Oman
Muscat: Members of the Oman Society for Astronomy and Space (OSAS) observed one of the largest sunspots to appear on the sun's surface during the 25th solar cycle, known as Sunspot 4079. The sunspot's size exceeded 11 times the size of planet Earth.
Observers were able to clearly photograph this spot from the skies over Muscat Governorate using specialised astronomical equipment, in a rare scene that reflects the peak of solar activity currently being experienced by the sun.
Wesal bint Salem Al Hinai, Vice Chair of the Community Engagement Committee at the OSAS, said: "Sunspot 4079 is one of the largest phenomena we have observed during the current solar cycle. Photographing it from the Sultanate of Oman is a scientific and astronomical achievement that highlights the OSAS's efforts to monitor cosmic phenomena that directly impact Earth. This requires community awareness of the risks of space weather and its potential impact on communications, navigation, and energy systems."
She added: "Sunspots are one of the most prominent phenomena associated with the Sun's magnetic activity. They represent a crucial indicator in understanding the behavior of our solar system's star and its multiple effects on Earth. The Sun undergoes regular cycles of magnetic activity known as "solar cycles," each lasting an average of about 11 years. During these cycles, the Sun's surface undergoes significant changes in the number of sunspots, the intensity of flares, and coronal mass ejections, which directly impact space weather and the geomagnetic environment surrounding Earth."
Sunspots are the most visible manifestation of this cycle, increasing in frequency as solar activity increases and decreasing toward the end of the cycle. Currently, the Sun is experiencing the peak of the 25th solar cycle, which began in December 2019. This is a phase of intense magnetic disturbance during which the number of sunspots is markedly increased.
A daily average of about 215.5 sunspots was recorded in August 2024, the highest in more than two decades, indicating that the 25th solar cycle may have peaked earlier than expected.
In late February In 2025, the sun erupted a powerful solar flare, detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These flares are classified as Class X flares, the most intense. This event was followed by a coronal mass ejection, which triggered a geomagnetic storm that reached Earth in April 2025, causing auroras across large areas of mid-latitudes and partially impacting high-frequency radio communications systems.
In May 2025, the sun showed another unprecedented surge of activity, with the number of sunspots exceeding previous predictions, indicating a peak that may be the strongest in decades. This activity is accompanied by powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially leading to geomagnetic storms that could impact Earth. This cycle is expected to continue until 2030, with solar activity gradually declining after the peak.
One of the most prominent historical phenomena associated with extreme solar activity is the Carrington Effect, the most powerful solar storm documented in modern times. It occurred in 1859. On September 1 of that year, British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a powerful solar flare emanating from a massive sunspot. Within 24 hours, high-energy solar particles reached Earth, causing a widespread magnetic storm. Auroras were observed in unusual locations, such as the Caribbean, and its effects were even felt in Hong Kong and Rome. The storm also disrupted telegraph networks and caused fires due to electrical sparks.
This event serves as an early warning of the potential dangers of solar storms in an age of heavy reliance on technology, such as satellites, electricity grids, and communications.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Omani teams start trip to NASA Space Apps Hackathon
Texas: The Omani teams shortlisted for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 have commenced their scientific visit to the United States with a tour of NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. This exchange programme is organised by the U.S. Embassy in Oman in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. The visit began with the Omani team exploring Space Center Houston, one of the premier scientific destinations in the U.S. The team toured the Independence Plaza, home to a full-scale replica of the NASA space shuttle mounted atop the historic shuttle carrier aircraft, and examined exhibition halls featuring original spacecraft, including the Apollo 17 command module. The team gained insights into daily life aboard the International Space Station through interactive exhibits before attending a cinematic screening titled The Moonwalkers, which documents the history of Apollo missions and connects them to the Artemis programme. The tour also included a visit to the historic Apollo Mission Control Center, where the team entered the restored control room that guided the first human moon landing. Additionally, the team explored Mars exhibits, engaged in virtual reality experiences, and learned about the evolution of spacesuits. Dr. Fatima Nasser Al-Harthy, team leader, stated that the visit to Johnson Space Center provided the team with a unique opportunity to engage with NASA's storied history and ambitious future. She emphasized that such experiences not only inspire participants but also foster a culture of scientific innovation among Omani youth. The team comprises distinguished students from several Omani educational institutions, including the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Military Technological College, and the German University of Technology in Oman. This visit reflects a forward-looking vision to empower Omani youth by exposing them to global experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It also strengthens Oman's presence in international scientific forums, aligning with the nation's ongoing efforts to build a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. -ONA
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Omani team starts trip to NASA Space Apps Hackathon
Texas: The Omani teams shortlisted for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 have commenced their scientific visit to the United States with a tour of NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. This exchange programme is organised by the U.S. Embassy in Oman in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. The visit began with the Omani team exploring Space Center Houston, one of the premier scientific destinations in the U.S. The team toured the Independence Plaza, home to a full-scale replica of the NASA space shuttle mounted atop the historic shuttle carrier aircraft, and examined exhibition halls featuring original spacecraft, including the Apollo 17 command module. The team gained insights into daily life aboard the International Space Station through interactive exhibits before attending a cinematic screening titled The Moonwalkers, which documents the history of Apollo missions and connects them to the Artemis programme. The tour also included a visit to the historic Apollo Mission Control Center, where the team entered the restored control room that guided the first human moon landing. Additionally, the team explored Mars exhibits, engaged in virtual reality experiences, and learned about the evolution of spacesuits. Dr. Fatima Nasser Al-Harthy, team leader, stated that the visit to Johnson Space Center provided the team with a unique opportunity to engage with NASA's storied history and ambitious future. She emphasized that such experiences not only inspire participants but also foster a culture of scientific innovation among Omani youth. The team comprises distinguished students from several Omani educational institutions, including the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Military Technological College, and the German University of Technology in Oman. This visit reflects a forward-looking vision to empower Omani youth by exposing them to global experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It also strengthens Oman's presence in international scientific forums, aligning with the nation's ongoing efforts to build a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. -ONA
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Iran's centrifuge production sites hit by Israeli strikes, IAEA confirms
Tehran: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that two Iranian centrifuge production facilities, TESA Karaj workshop and Tehran Research Centre, were hit in recent strikes. "The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Centre, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA," IAEA wrote on X. "At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured," IAEA added om X. The Embassy of Iran in India on Wednesday shared a statement made by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he said that they (IAEA) did not have any proof that Iran is going to make nuclear weapons. In a post on X, the Embassy said, "Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, admits that Iran was not going to make a nuclear weapon. "What we reported was that we did not have any proof of a systematic effort (by Iran) to move toward a nuclear weapon. " In the interview, Director General Grossi answering the question on nuclear weapons in Iran said, "What we informed and what we reported was that we did not have, as in coincidence with some of the sources you mentioned there, that we did not have any proof of a systematic effort to move into a nuclear weapon." According to a previous report by the Times of Israel citing Hebrew media, it was reported on Sunday that Israel discovered that Iranian scientists had conducted successful experiments in the design process of a nuclear weapon, bringing it weeks away from being able to produce a bomb. Times of Israel reported that this "golden information" was presented by intelligence officials to the political leadership before the decision was made to carry out preemptive strikes on Friday, along with the concern that Israel didn't know everything and that Tehran could be at an even more advanced stage in building a nuclear bomb than the available information showed, Army Radio reported, citing unnamed security officials. Meawhile, the US State Department on Tuesday (local time) reaffirmed the Trump administration's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, emphasising that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
