Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, announced new developments in the solar landscape, stating that the latest satellite images specializing in monitoring solar physics indicate an anticipated resurgence of past solar activity. He explained that the remnants of sunspot regions 4294 and 4296 are currently located behind the southeastern edge of the sun's disk and are expected to gradually reappear in Earth's field of view over the next 48 hours, due to the sun's ongoing rotation on its axis.
History of the two spots and the context of the solar cycle
Abu Zahra explained that these two active regions were last observed on December 12th, when they were in direct alignment with Earth. During that period, the sunspots exhibited significant activity, including several low- and medium-intensity solar flares, but no catastrophic events or X-class flares were detected.
This event occurs within the context of Solar Cycle 25, which is currently experiencing a surge in solar activity. It is scientifically known that the Sun rotates on its axis approximately every 27 days at the equator, allowing active regions to persist for extended periods and reappear on Earth multiple times if they maintain their magnetic stability. This explains the return of these two sunspots after their temporary disappearance.
Technical monitoring and space weather analysis
Regarding the technical aspects of the observation, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society pointed out that the current view relies on high-resolution images captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), specifically in the 171 angstrom wavelength range. This wavelength range is designed to highlight the hot plasma in the solar corona, giving scientists exceptional ability to track the evolution of active regions and complex magnetic structures.
Regarding the expected effects, Abu Zahra confirmed that recent monitoring data has not recorded any large coronal mass ejections (CMEs) beyond the southeastern edge of the sun in the past few days. This significantly reduces the likelihood of severe geomagnetic storms or direct negative impacts on near-Earth space weather immediately following the appearance of the sunspots.
Scientific significance and potential impacts
Monitoring these phenomena is of paramount importance not only to the astronomical community but also to the communications, aviation, and space sectors. Although current forecasts indicate relative stability, sunspots are dynamic in nature; their complex magnetic structure can recharge their energy and release sudden flares that affect Earth's ionosphere, potentially causing temporary disruptions to high-frequency radio communications or the accuracy of GPS systems.
Abu Zahra concluded his remarks by emphasizing that solar physicists continue to closely monitor regions 4294 and 4296 to assess any renewed activity and to observe any changes that may occur in the space environment surrounding Earth as the two spots fully emerge.
