Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope captures image of sunspots

The most powerful solar telescope in the world, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii, captured a detailed image of a cluster of sunspots using its Visible Tunable Filter (VTF). Scientists hope it will help predict solar storms. The telescope is not fully operational yet, but the image it captured during testing shows its potential. Sunspots are areas of intense magnetic activity that can trigger solar flares and coronal mass ejections with damaging effects on Earth.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

On Christmas Eve in 2024, the NASA Parker Solar Probe made a historic flyby of the sun's corona, coming closer than any other probe. The mission aims to study the sun's behavior and solar storms that impact Earth. Equipped with a robust heat shield, the probe reached speeds of 430,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft's findings could improve space weather forecasts to protect energy grids and communication systems on Earth.

Sun's Magnetic Field Research

New research indicates the sun's magnetic field originates much closer to the surface than previously thought, potentially helping to predict extreme solar storms that can disrupt power and communications on Earth.

Solar Storms and Sunspots: Potential Impact on Earth

Experts warn that more powerful solar storms could continue to strike Earth until July 2025, with potential disruptions to satellites, communication systems, and power grids. The recent solar storm, while historic, was not as severe as it could be. Sunspots, a result of the Sun's magnetic cycle, play a key role in predicting and tracking these storms.