For the second time in a single week, a huge giant coronal hole that is roughly around 20 times the size of earth was seen ripping through the solar surface.
Second Giant Coronal Hole
As per the Daily Mail, the second giant coronal hole is releasing solar winds that move at 1.8 million mph toward earth. The planet is bound to be impacted by these winds on Friday.
To see whether these solar winds will affect satellites, technology, and the magnetic field of the earth, specialists are monitoring this solar sighting closely. Such solar storms have the capacity to disrupt GPS navigation, power grids, and satellite communications. Interesting Engineering notes that scientists are working to gauge how severe the threat is and come up with ways to combat potential damage.
This sighting follows the discovery of a giant coronal hole on March 23. This first one was 30 times as big as the earth. It reportedly triggered clear auroras in areas as far away as Arizona. As per Science Alert, as this first giant coronal hole moves away from the earth, another one has come ito view.
Both were snapped by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) of NASA. The SDO specifically focuses on the sun. The second one, specifically, was observed to sit on the sun's equator.
Daniel Verscharen, an associate professor of space and climate physics from the University College London, notes that while this coronal hole's shape was not quite special its location was intriguing.
Matthew Owens, a processor of space physics from the University of Reading, notes that considering its equator location earth is quite guaranteed to witness fast winds a few days after it rotates beyond the central meridian.
What Are Coronal Holes?
According to NASA, coronal holes are solar regions with magnetically open areas that serve as a source for high-speed solar winds. They can expel wins that move at speeds of 800 kph, or 1.8 million mph.
These holes surface when magnetic fields, which are created by plasma, shoot right into space. This makes it quite easy for solar winds and some plasma to move across space at high speeds.
Such areas are less dense and cooler compared to the plasma that surrounds it. Hence, they appear dark in solar images.
Coronal holes unleash solar winds toward the cosmos. If they reach earth, they may affect satellites and foster beautiful auroras.
They are considered common solar features, despite popping up in various regions, especially close to the poles. Generally, coronal holes are more common during the less active part of the sun's 11-year solar cycle.
While these generally do not pose any harm, they may temporarily affect high-altitude radio transmissions and satellite communications.
RELATED ARTICLE: NASA Captured a Piece of Sun's Northern Pole Breaking Off, Leaving Scientists Baffled; How Could This Be Possible?
Check out more news and information on the Sun in Science Times.
