NASA scientists have reported the discovery of a massive black area on the surface of the Sun, which is estimated to be around 30 times larger than the Earth. This “coronal hole” is expected to generate high-speed solar winds that will reach our planet by the end of the week. A photo of the Sun featuring the darkened area was released by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
According to Alex Young, an associate director for science at NASA Goddard’s Heliophysics Science Division, the “hole” observed on the Sun’s surface is approximately 20 to 30 times larger than Earth. However, NASA clarifies that this region is not actually a hole. Rather, it is an area on the Sun’s surface that appears dark due to its lower temperature compared to surrounding areas.
Rapid solar winds
NASA explains that coronal holes are the primary source of solar winds. These winds are expected to have speeds ranging from 500 km to 800 km per second, as reported by Insider. Alex Young told Insider that the impact of these high-speed winds is likely to begin on March 24. He also explained that when these winds reach Earth, their particles and magnetic field will interact with our planet’s magnetic field, resulting in a rattling effect similar to ringing a bell.
What implications does this hold for our planet?
Alex Young informed Insider that we need not anticipate any power outages or communication disruptions caused by the incoming solar winds. Instead, we can expect a more vivid display of the Aurora Borealis (seen below) as the winds reach our planet. The Northern states of the U.S., ranging from Washington to New York, are expected to witness this stunning light show in the sky.
