Astronomers release photos of huge dark patches known as “sunspots” on the sun big enough to swallow Earth. These sunspots are located where the sun’s magnetic fields are particularly strong.
NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory image taken on April 22, 2022, shows the sunspot groups. From left to right, 2996, 2995, 2994, and 2993 on the upper right. Sunspots are associated with increased solar activity.
The sun’s magnetic fields are continuously moving in every different direction. When the magnetic fields get too contorted, they release large amounts of energy and charged particles.
When this happens, it’s called solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). It can transfer energy from the sun to Earth. This interferes with electrical systems, satellites, navigation systems, and radio communications.
Earlier this year, a CME was credited with causing several SpaceX satellites to fall out of orbit after it caused them to experience higher-than-expected atmospheric drag.
CMEs can also cause particularly dazzling auroras, also called the Northern and Southern Lights, in places where they might not usually occur.
