A hole 60 times the size of the Earth has opened in the surface of the Sun and is spewing radiation to us at an incredible speed, according to scientists. The dark gap in the Sun's surface opened on December 2 and created a solar wind that is rushing towards Earth.
The colossal dark patch, identified as a coronal hole, reached 497,000 miles wide within 24 hours, reports Spaceweather.com.
Since December 4, the solar void has been pointed directly at Earth, prompting experts to predict a moderate geomagnetic storm. This storm could potentially result in radio blackouts and vibrant displays of Northern Lights over the next few days, reports The Mirror.
The coronal hole reached a maximum width of 497,000 miles within 24 hours (Image: spaceweather)
Experts say coronal holes can last for more than a single solar rotation of 27 days. Fortunately, the hole is expected to rotate away from Earth soon.
Coronal holes, a phenomenon arising from the sudden opening of magnetic fields on the sun, cause the sun's upper surface to release solar wind. These holes appear as dark patches due to their cooler and less dense nature compared to the surrounding plasma. Unlike sunspots, coronal holes are only visible in ultraviolet light.
The unprecedented solar event challenges existing solar cycle norms, as coronal holes of this magnitude are typically associated with periods of lower solar activity.
The recent surge in solar activity throughout this year has been marked by a "sunspot archipelago," a dramatic "canyon of fire" eruption, and a potent solar flare.
The phenomena suggest that the Sun is approaching its explosive peak in the 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum. Scientists, in a revised solar cycle forecast, now anticipate the onset of the solar maximum in early 2024.
