Tag

Sunspots

All articles tagged with #sunspots

space13 days ago•9 min saved

AI Hears Sunspots Ahead of Visible Formation: COFFIES Forecasts Solar Activity 12 Hours Early

NASA’s COFFIES machine-learning model analyzes deep interior solar flows and surface magnetic and acoustic data to predict active sunspot regions up to about 12 hours before they visibly form, effectively letting scientists 'hear' sunspots. While the model is a black box, its predictions could help researchers better understand solar dynamics and provide early warning for geomagnetic storms, with NASA sharing related content via video channels.

via Hackaday|

#ai #heliophysics #nasa

space20 days ago•163 min saved

Aug. 12, 2026 eclipse will deliver a one-of-a-kind corona snapshot

During the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, the sun’s corona will briefly become visible and will reflect the solar magnetic activity of Solar Cycle 25, meaning no two eclipses look the same. Observers may see prominences along the edge and, with luck, a CME snapshot, but the exact corona depends on sunspot activity in the days around totality and viewing conditions.

via Space|

#corona #prominences #solar-cycle-25

space5 months ago•74 min saved

Sun's magnetic engine revealed deep beneath its surface

A study using data from the SOHO and GONG networks confirms the Sun's magnetic dynamo is generated near the tachocline, roughly 200,000 km (about 124,000 miles) below the Sun's visible surface, with rotating plasma bands tracing a butterfly pattern that aligns with the 11-year sunspot cycle. This supports tachocline-based dynamo models and could improve space-weather predictions, with findings published in Scientific Reports.

via Space|

#solar-cycle #solar-dynamo #space

beauty5 months ago•475 min saved

Brighten Up: What Really Works on Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots aren’t one issue: dermatologists classify them as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, and sunspots, with causes ranging from hormones and inflammation to cumulative UV damage. For fading at home, use brighteners and exfoliants such as vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic/azelaic/tranexamic acids, glycolic/lactic/mandelic acids, and retinol or bakuchiol; some newer serums/pads target melanin production. For stubborn spots, in-office options like pigment-targeting lasers (BBL, Moxi, nanosecond/picosecond lasers), peels, or laser toning can be more effective. Hydroquinone remains a potent option when prescribed, though it can irritate skin if misused. Prevention is key: daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 (tinted sunscreens help with UVA and visible light) and protecting sun-exposed areas. Even with a good regimen, it can take 4–6 weeks to see improvement, and older sun damage may not fully fade with skincare alone.

via The Cut|

#beauty #hyperpigmentation #melasma

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Scientists Uncover Long-Standing Solar Mystery

Scientists have uncovered the long-standing mystery of why sunspots last so long by using a new observation technique that reveals a balance between magnetic fields and pressure, confirming that sunspots are in magnetohydrostatic equilibrium. This discovery, made possible by advanced polarized light analysis with the GREGOR solar telescope, enhances understanding of solar activity and could improve space weather forecasting.

via Yahoo|

#magnetic-fields #science #solar-cycle

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Ancient Sun Mystery Solved After 400 Years

A recent study has finally explained why sunspots remain stable for long periods, revealing that magnetic and pressure forces within sunspots are in perfect balance, thanks to improved observation techniques that remove atmospheric interference. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of solar stability and could improve predictions of space weather events that impact Earth.

via ScienceAlert|

#magnetic-fields #science #solar-cycle

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Stunning 8K Solar Images Unveil Unprecedented Sun Details

New 8K-resolution images of the sun, captured by a high-tech camera system at the Vacuum Tower Telescope in Tenerife, reveal detailed views of sunspots and solar activity, enhancing understanding of solar dynamics and space weather forecasting.

via Space|

#8k-resolution #science #solar-activity

science1 year ago•4 min saved

Increased Auroras Expected as Sun Reaches Solar Maximum

The sun is currently at its solar maximum, a period of heightened activity in its 11-year cycle, leading to increased solar storms and auroras. This active phase is expected to continue over the next year. NASA's Parker Solar Probe will soon make its closest approach to the sun, potentially providing valuable insights into solar activity. While the increased solar activity results in stunning auroras, it can also disrupt GPS systems and satellites.

via NBC News|

#auroras #geomagneticstorms #parkersolarprobe

science-and-technology1 year ago•4 min saved

Solar Orbiter Unveils Breathtaking High-Resolution Sun Images

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has captured the highest resolution images of the sun's surface, revealing detailed views of the photosphere and sunspots. These images, taken from 45 million miles away, show the sun's dynamic surface and magnetic fields, which are concentrated around sunspots, affecting plasma convection and temperature. The spacecraft also provided a tachogram showing the sun's rotation and material movement, and images of the corona, highlighting solar wind origins. This mission, a collaboration between ESA and NASA, aims to provide unprecedented views of the sun's poles by 2025.

via Space.com|

#magnetic-fields #science-and-technology #solar-orbiter

science-and-exploration1 year ago•4 min saved

Stunning Full Sun Images Reveal Dynamic Sunspots and Plasma

The ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission has released the highest-resolution full views of the Sun's visible surface, captured by the PHI and EUI instruments. These images reveal detailed maps of the Sun's magnetic field and plasma movements, highlighting sunspots and the dynamic nature of the Sun's corona. The images, taken from less than 74 million kilometers away, were stitched together from multiple high-resolution shots, providing unprecedented detail of the Sun's surface and atmosphere.

via European Space Agency|

#high-resolution-images #magnetic-field #science-and-exploration

sciencespace2 years ago•2 min saved

"Strong Solar Flares Trigger Radio Blackout Warnings"

Multiple sunspot regions on the Sun are currently active, producing strong solar flares that have caused radio blackouts on Earth. NOAA's space weather forecasters are monitoring these regions closely as the Sun approaches its Solar Maximum. The new GOES-19 satellite, set to be operational by spring 2025, will enhance solar storm forecasting capabilities.

via Fox Weather |

#nasa #noaa #radio-blackouts

scienceenvironment2 years ago•2 min saved

"U.S. Braces for Northern Lights Amid Peak Solar Activity"

Increased solar activity, part of the "Solar 25" cycle, has allowed the Northern Lights to be visible in the D.C. area. This activity, which peaks every 11 years, is expected to reach its maximum next summer. While the geomagnetic storms causing these auroras can disrupt satellite and GPS systems, researchers are using the data to improve future predictions.

via WTOP|

#geomagnetic-storms #northern-lights #scienceenvironment

sciencespace2 years ago•3 min saved

"June 2024 Northern Lights: Viewing Tips and Forecasts"

Arizona residents are curious about the possibility of seeing the northern lights again after a recent display in May. Forecasters are monitoring a group of sunspots that could potentially trigger another aurora, but it's too early to confirm. Viewing conditions depend on whether these sunspots cause solar flares or coronal mass ejections. Optimal viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in dark areas with minimal light pollution.

via The Arizona Republic|

#arizona #northern-lights #sciencespace

science-and-nature2 years ago•3 min saved

"Chance to See Northern Lights in the US This Week Amid Increased Solar Activity"

Space weather forecasters are predicting potential Northern Lights displays in Michigan this week, driven by sunspots that could trigger solar storms. While cloud cover may hinder visibility early in the week, clearer skies are expected Wednesday through Friday, offering better chances for sightings. However, the unpredictability of aurora forecasts means that even with favorable conditions, sightings are not guaranteed.

via Lansing State Journal|

#aurora-borealis #lansing #northern-lights

sciencespace2 years ago•2 min saved

"June 2024 Northern Lights May Illuminate US Skies Again"

The Northern Lights may be visible in New York from June 4 to June 6 due to a massive sunspot facing Earth, with optimal viewing conditions enhanced by a new moon. However, weather forecasts predict considerable cloudiness and potential rain, which could impact visibility. Increased solar activity leading up to the solar maximum in July 2025 may provide more frequent opportunities for aurora sightings.

via Democrat & Chronicle|

#aurora-borealis #northern-lights #sciencespace