A giant hole in the Sun could disable satellites
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A massive hole 20 times the size of the Earth has ripped through the surface of the Sun. This is the second hole that has appeared in one week.
A gaping “coronal hole” throws solar winds at our planet at a speed of 2.9 million kilometers per hour. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation to find out if the winds will affect the Earth’s magnetic field, satellites and other technologies.
The first hole, discovered on March 23, is 30 times the size of Earth and released solar winds that triggered numerous auroras in the south. Both holes were recorded by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which studies the Sun.
“Coronal holes are magnetically open regions that are one of the sources of high-speed solar wind,” NASA said. “While the situation may seem worrisome at first, it does not indicate that we are in danger.”
Coronal holes are a common feature of the Sun, they appear in different places, especially near the poles – and with greater frequency at different times of the solar cycle. They are generally more common when the Sun is at a less active point in its 11-year cycle.
The effects of holes are usually harmless, although sometimes satellite communications and radio transmissions at high altitudes can be temporarily disrupted.
The second hole is at the solar equator.
“The shape of this coronal hole is nothing special. However, its location was of great interest to us,” said Daniel Versharen, professor of space and climate physics at University College London.
“I would expect some fast wind from this coronal hole to reach Earth from around Friday evening to Saturday morning this week.”
The first coronal hole led to bright auroras on March 24 that lit up the night sky in electric purples and greens. They were caused by storm G3, referring to a “severe” solar storm that could affect power systems and spacecraft operations.
Christina Denisyuk.
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