NASA may have spotted the highest number of sunspots in more than 20 years

On August 8, 2024, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) may have captured an unprecedented number of sunspots on the sun’s surface. These sunspots may appear small from Earth, but they are enormous, with many of them about the size of our planet. Sunspots are areas of intense magnetic activity on the sun that can trigger solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events can send bursts of energy toward Earth, potentially causing geomagnetic storms that can disrupt communications systems, satellites, and power grids.

What are sunspots?

Sunspots are dark, cooler areas on the sun’s surface caused by interactions in the sun’s magnetic field. These magnetic disturbances can lead to solar flares, which are sudden bursts of radiation. When these flares are particularly strong, they can produce CMEs, which are powerful releases of plasma and magnetic fields. When directed toward Earth, these bursts can lead to geomagnetic storms that affect everything from GPS signals to power grids.

Solar Cycle 25: A period of intense solar activity

The Sun operates on a roughly 11-year cycle of solar activity, known as the solar cycle, which moves from solar minimum (low activity) to solar maximum (high activity). We are currently in solar cycle 25, which began in December 2019. This cycle has already proven to be more active than expected. On August 8, the sunspot number (SSN) was estimated at 337, a figure that could set a record for the most daily sunspots observed since March 2001. The high SSN indicates that solar cycle 25 could remain exceptionally active, with more frequent and powerful solar events.

Implications of high sunspot numbers

The significance of a high SSN extends beyond scientific observation; it has practical implications. Increased sunspot activity can lead to more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms on Earth. These storms can disrupt satellite communications, GPS systems, and even ground-based power grids. As Solar Cycle 25 progresses, the likelihood of such disruptions increases, making it critical for scientists and technology operators to closely monitor solar activity. While the SSN for August 8 is still being finalized, preliminary estimates suggest that this period of solar activity could have lasting consequences for our technology-dependent world.