New Delhi: A huge coronal hole has recently formed on the sun’s surface, casting a stream of high-velocity solar winds in the direction of the Earth.
Astronomers are closely watching and monitoring the vast expanse of darkness which came to light near the sun’s equator on December 2.
In four days, the hole has expanded to an astounding width of about 4,97,000 miles — equivalent to over 60 Earths laid side by side.
Since December 4, the coronal hole has been facing Earth directly.
☀️ | Massive Sun Breach: A vast hole in the sun’s atmosphere, almost 800,000 km long, is expelling solar wind towards Earth.
NASA’s SDO documented this coronal hole, revealing missing hot gas. The solar wind, en route to Earth, is expected on Dec. 4th/5th.
Brace for Impact:… pic.twitter.com/pPFKzO7X2I
— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) December 4, 2023
Though not uncommon, this coronal hole has put the scientific community on alert because of its scale and timing.
It occurs as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle – called solar maximum – which is expected to climax in 2024.
After the coronal hole was detected, there were concerns that solar winds — which can travel between 500-800 kilometres per second – could induce a G2 geomagnetic storm, potentially leading to radio blackouts and vivid auroras.
However, Spaceweather.com reported that the intensity of solar wind is less severe than expected, resulting in a weak G1 geomagnetic storm.
According to scientists and astronomers, the huge hole doesn’t pose any significant threat to Earth as it moves in a direction away from face of Earth.
🌞 Sun activity for Dec 4, 2023: Waiting on the solar wind!
Aurora watchers, get ready. The solar wind stream is on its way.👏 🥳
😱The giant coronal hole continues to spew out lots of fast solar wind toward Earth.
🧐 MORE at https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/55ZDrHSgLA
— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) December 4, 2023
